Lindy Watkinson

Jamie-Lee Rahiri wins L'Oréal–UNESCO science award   A strong focus on health equity in surgery has seen Dr Jamie-Lee Rahiri (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara, Te Ātihaunui-a-Pāpārangi) named the L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science Fellow for Aotearoa New Zealand in 2025.   Currently a third-year general surgery trainee at North Shore Hospital, the University of Auckland senior research fellow has been recognised for improving surgical care for Māori patients and inspiring the next generation of wāhine Māori into surgery.   Rahiri is the only New Zealander and one of four across Australasia to win the regional section of the prestigious international awards. The win comes hot on the tail of her winning the John Corboy Medal, the highest honour for a surgical trainee from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.   Rahiri is also the founder of Te Piringa Kōtuku – a Kaupapa Māori Surgical and Primary Health Research Institute and a pioneer of initiatives including Te Poka Pū – National Māori Surgical Interest Group to support and advance Māori into surgery.   “This Fellowship is not just recognition of my work – it acknowledges the communities, mentors, and whānau who have shaped me,” says Rahiri. “As a doctor, researcher, and mother of three daughters, I want my girls to know they can stand tall in any space they choose. And it reminds me that the work to transform surgery for Aotearoa is only just beginning.”   Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland deputy dean Professor Matire Harwood, who received the same fellowship in 2017, says she’s over the moon that Jamie-Lee has received the award, which will help her continue to create meaningful medical outcomes for Māori.   Alex Davison, chief executive officer at L’Oréal Australia & New Zealand, says: "This Fellowship is more than an award; it’s an intergenerational commitment to help women overcome systemic barriers, build leadership skills, and inspire the next generation of scientists.”   Read more about Rahiri’s win and story here: https://lnkd.in/g_5MPUNV  

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A new global clinical trial for a non-small cell lung cancer medicine — the most common form of lung cancer — is now open for registration for patients in Western Australia 🔬 Led locally by St John of God Subiaco Hospital Medical Oncologist A/Prof Tim Clay, the TACTI-004 trial offers new hope for patients facing a disease that is often diagnosed late and currently has a five-year survival rate of just 30%. We are proud to support world-class research that advances cancer care and improves outcomes for people living with cancer and other serious illnesses. Watch the video below to learn more about the trial and its potential impact 📽️

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𝐀 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞. In a Victorian first, cancer patients now have access to Accuray's CyberKnife®treatment - advanced precision radiotherapy treatment for hard to treat tumours. Delivered through a joint venture between Icon Group and 5D Clinics: CyberKnife Radiosurgery Australia, the nation’s only private provider of CyberKnife treatment – this cutting-edge, purpose-built centre in Cremorne, Melbourne represents a significant step forward in precision cancer care and improving patient outcomes for more communities. 📽️ Watch the full exclusive news coverage: https://lnkd.in/gVtVgxsQ Learn more about our partnership: https://lnkd.in/gR3fCTsd #5DClinics #CyberKnife #radiotherapy #cancercare #bestcarepossible #precisionmedicine #oncology #healthcare

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Advocating for patients transcends borders - and Rotorua Hospital is helping lead the way. Dr Ane Atalifo Veu, a physician with a special interest in medical oncology, and Bhavna Kumar, an oncology nurse, have spent the past two weeks at Rotorua Hospital refreshing their oncology knowledge and gathering insights to take back to Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva, Fiji. Their visit was hosted by Dr Prashanth Hari Dass, who has been volunteering in Fiji since 2006, when he was a first-year house officer. He says the differences in cancer care between New Zealand and Fiji are stark - and often only fully understood by being on the ground. “Cancer care is expensive, and at every step there are hurdles - from timely diagnosis and infrastructure to access to specialists, medications, and palliative care,” says Dr Hari Dass. “Our hope is to raise awareness and encourage more specialists to advocate collectively to reduce cancer disparities in the Pacific.” Ane and Bhavna’s visit was supported by the Pacifica Medical Association, with the long-term goal of building capacity in Fiji - including training more medical oncologists and improving access to essential cancer medicines. 📸 Pictured: Bhavna Kumar, Dr Prashanth Hari Dass, and Dr Ane Atalifo Veu.

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ANDHealth+ cohort company Baymatob has commenced patient recruitment at Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital for its pivotal clinical trial of the Oli PPH Early Warning System. Oli-PPH provides early warning for postpartum hemorrhage, the leading cause of preventable maternal death worldwide. By warning that a hemorrhage is likely to take place at least one hour before birth, Oli provides clinicians with the gift of time to prepare for and treat this potentially life-threatening complication. This study represents a major milestone for the Oli-PPH early warning system, ahead of it being submitted for regulatory clearance and prepared for commercial launch. “This trial marks a major step towards bringing Oli to the patients and clinicians who need it most. We are thrilled to kick off recruitment with the incredible clinicians at RNSH. Our team has worked tirelessly to reach this point – building and rigorously testing the system, and working with our world-class clinical and regulatory partners to commence this crucial study.” – Baymatob Director of Clinical Operations, Bernadette Pickering

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Monash Health is proud to announce it is the first health service in Victoria to start a patient on VYALEV, a new 24-hour infusion treatment for people with advanced Parkinson’s disease. This marks a major step forward in the management of Parkinson’s, offering a simpler and more consistent way to deliver medication to those whose symptoms are no longer well controlled with tablet medications. Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that causes unintended or uncontrollable movements, such as shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. Symptoms usually begin gradually and worsen over time. VYALEV works by continuously delivering medication under the skin. This helps keep Parkinson’s symptoms more stable throughout the day by reducing “off” periods - times when symptoms return - and improving overall mobility and quality of life. The medication is delivered through a small, discreet pump worn on the body. ‘This is a game-changer for patients who struggle with unpredictable symptoms despite multiple medications,’ said Dr Nirosen Vijiaratnam, neurologist and Director of the Movement Disorder Program at Monash Health. ‘VYALEV gives us a way to deliver treatment continuously - without the need for surgery - helping people regain more control over their day-to-day lives.’ VYALEV was listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) on 1 August 2025, significantly reducing the cost for eligible Australian patients. This ensures broader access to the therapy and supports patients and families managing the challenges of advanced Parkinson’s disease. To read more, please see the link in our comments.

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🌟 JUST RELEASED | Today the Commission published a new Colonoscopy Atlas Focus Report and revised Clinical Care Standard. 📊 The data report and standard were officially launched by CEO Conjoint Professor Anne Duggan at the World Congress of Gastroenterology and Australian Gastroenterology Week 2025 in Melbourne. #WCOG_AGW25 Our analysis examines trend data for colonoscopy and repeat colonoscopy before 3 years - and why there is variation in care across Australia. Read our Highlights Report and see the latest guidance on best practice care in the national clinical care standard. 👉 https://lnkd.in/grYGSbbu #Colonoscopy #CCS #Atlas #RepeatColonoscopy GESA: Gastroenterological Society of Australia Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO)

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