Every year on 8 March, International Women’s Day is celebrated around the world. It’s a day to highlight the incredible achievements and accomplishments of women, as well as raise awareness about discrimination and inequality. This month the RCPA is celebrating all female pathologists and the impact they have on the pathology profession by shining a spotlight on some of its academic and research Fellows.
An internationally-recognised authority in the field of asbestos-related disorders, Associate Professor Sonja Klebe is a clinical pathologist and academic at Flinders University, and the Research Director at the Asbestos Diseases Research Institute (ADRI). Discussing what she enjoys about her role, A/Prof Klebe said:
“As a clinical academic I get to work clinically, teach and also run a research laboratory. It is extremely busy but rewarding. I make a point of encouraging students to pursue rewarding careers and I have taught a lot of excellent female students, with many getting recognised through the RCPA medical student scholarships, a hugely rewarding initiative. I like to remind people that pathologists aren’t boring. In fact, I once gave a lecture while in labour! One of the students who saw it is now a registrar in my department.”
Dr Kate Stewart is an anatomical pathologist and medical educator, and is the Medical/Clinical Education Lead in the Department of Pathology at the Austin Hospital, Melbourne. Dr Stewart recently developed the Cancer Diagnostics elective subject within the Master of Cancer Sciences suite (jointly offered by Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC) and University of Melbourne) in addition to holding sessional and fixed term appointments in the Department of Clinical Pathology. She is currently finishing her Masters of Clinical Education, also at the University of Melbourne. Explaining the importance of teaching pathology, Dr Stewart said:
“Pathology is literally the study of disease, so a good education in the pathological sciences should be the foundation of learning in every field of medicine. Pathology is the only one of the basic (preclinical) sciences taught at medical school that is also one of the specialty colleges. However, because pathologists work in relative isolation, it can be hard for students and juniors to make that connection, and see it as a potential career. In an era where so many teaching and learning activities have been shifted online, I value every opportunity to meet with learners face-to-face and share my passion for pathology.”
Professor Erica Wood is a Haematologist and Transfusion Medicine Specialist, and an NHMRC Leadership Fellow. She is Head of the Transfusion Research Unit, and Co-Director of the Division of Acute and Critical Care, in the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at Monash University. Prof Wood is also a Consultant Haematologist at Monash Health, and an honorary Consultant Haematologist at the VCCC. Discussing the importance of research, Prof Wood said:
“There are still so many unknowns in our everyday practice. We need to be able to make more specific diagnoses, provide better treatments tailored to the needs and preferences of patients, and which maximise benefits and minimise harm. It is through research that we strengthen the evidence base for our practice and improve outcomes for patients and the community.”
Professor Wendy Erber is a world-renowned haematologist and Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine in the University of Western Australia. Having been published in more than 200 peer-reviewed journals, as well as four books and 20 chapters, Prof Erber is known for her extensive haematology knowledge, inspiring teaching and strong mentorship and supervision. Also touching on the importance of research, Prof Erber said:
“Pathology research is at the core of understanding diseases. Pathologists are therefore perfectly positioned to build on this knowledge and develop new diagnostic approaches that will guide treatment decisions. Patients are the beneficiaries of our research discoveries as the knowledge gained will lead to optimised, personalised treatment and improved outcomes.”
Since being appointed as the first CEO of the RCPA in 1999, Dr Debra Graves has lifted the profile of the RCPA in both Australia and New Zealand, providing novel and critical information and publications to the broader pathology community. Dr Graves has also contributed significantly to the fostering of better relations with Governments as well as other key stakeholders in both Australia and New Zealand. Discussing the importance of pathology and pathologists, Dr Graves said:
“Pathology is the backbone of medicine. Whilst not often seen in the healthcare system, pathology services in Australia and New Zealand are amongst the highest quality and most accessible in the world. Teams work behind-the-scenes to collect, analyse and process patients’ medical tests and diagnose diseases to the highest standards.”
Associate Professor Trishe Leong is the current Vice President of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia and the Director of Pathology at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne. She previously served as the International Vice President of the Australasian Division of the International Academy of Pathology. A/Prof Leong obtained her Fellowship in Anatomical Pathologist in 2006, and her interests lie in the areas of molecular diagnostics and management of pathology services. On International Women’s Day, A/Prof Leong said:
“I’m proud to be working in pathology, a field that is so essential to patient care, and one that values precision, collaboration, and innovation. On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the countless women who have paved the way in pathology and look forward to continuing to help empower and inspire the next generation of female leaders in our profession.”
