A leading paediatric anaesthetist and pleural effusion clinical scientist from UWA’s Medical School are among 27 new Fellows elected to the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences.

“This year’s cohort of new Fellows represents the diversity and excellence in modern science, and I look forward to seeing what our new Fellows achieve next in their already exceptional careers.”

Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences Interim President Professor Ingrid Scheffer

Professor Britta Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg, Chair of Paediatric Anaesthesia at The University of Western Australia, has led several large research projects, generating new knowledge which led to changes in how anaesthesia for children is performed in Australia and worldwide.

Image: Professor Britta Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg, Chair of Paediatric Anaesthesia, UWA.

With paediatric anaesthesia is seen as a high-risk specialty, her goal is to ensure that vital surgery is as safe and pain-free for children as possible.

Professor Yun Chor Gary Lee’s is recognised as a world-leading researcher in pleural effusion, often referred to as water on the lungs, which affects 23 million people a year.

Image: Professor Yun Chor Gary Lee, UWA Medical School.

His work has challenged and disproved traditional practices to treat pleural disease and pioneered new therapies – reducing harm, saving lives, improving quality of life, and transforming care worldwide in the process.

The new Fellows were welcomed into the Academy by Interim President Professor Ingrid Scheffer AO FRS FAA FAHMS.

“Fellows are elected by their peers for their significant contributions to health and medical sciences – it is a selective process that recognises the best and brightest in Australia and highlights those who are truly making a difference in health,” she said.

“This year’s cohort of new Fellows represents the diversity and excellence in modern science, and I look forward to seeing what our new Fellows achieve next in their already exceptional careers.”

The Academy also welcomed 15 new leading researchers to its mentorship program, bringing the total number of mentees to 100.

Image: Associate Professor Caitlin Wyrwoll, UWA School of Human Sciences.

Associate Professor Caitlin Wyrwoll from UWA’s School of Human Sciences, whose studies focus on the impact of climate change on maternal and child health, was among the news mentees who will be granted access to training, support and networking opportunities through the Academy for the next three years.

“The program will enable me to grow expertise in translating evidence to policy and practice, and facilitate engagement with government and industry,” Associate Professor Wywroll said.