We are proud to announce that Professor Fiona Wood has been distinguished with the Officer of the Order of Australia (AO). This prestigious award celebrates her remarkable contribution and service as one of Australia’s most innovative and respected surgeons and researchers.
Since 1991, Fiona has been committed to improving burn patients' outcomes and expanding the body of knowledge about burns through scientific research. As the Director of the Burns Service of Western Australia, her ability to lead a team and direct innovation for clinical excellence has led to her being recognised as a burns care leader domestically and globally. Her most significant contribution and enduring legacy is her work pioneering the innovative ‘spray-on skin’ technique (Recell), which was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in late 2018.
In October 2002, Fiona Wood's expertise and leadership were brought to the forefront during a critical moment in Australian history. Following the Bali bombings, a significant number of survivors were treated under her care at Royal Perth Hospital. Her exceptional leadership during this crisis and medical expertise in treating the survivors led to her receiving the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2003.
The AO award this year acknowledges Fiona’s outstanding and enduring contributions as a highly skilled plastic and reconstructive surgeon and world-leading burns specialist through the pioneering of research and technology development in burns medicine. Her resolve and tenacity to develop innovative treatments for burn victims, which address the complex aspects of recovery, including physical, physiological, and psychological health, has been pivotal in improving life outcomes for burn patients and their families. This prestigious award is a well-deserved recognition of her ongoing dedication and deep-seated passion for achieving her vision of scarless healing in mind and body.
“I am absolutely honoured with the recognition involved in this prestigious award. With it comes the responsibility to continue to drive forward our work caring for those surviving burn injury.
I would like to thank the team at the Burns Service of Western Australia, with the support of the Department of Health, South Metro Health Service, Child & Adolescent Health Service, the Burn Injury Research Unit at the University of Western Australia, Avita Medical and the many collaborators locally and globally. I would also like to thank the Fiona Wood Foundation and all those who continue to support our work.
Beyond all, my family.” - Fiona Wood
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