MEDIA RELEASE
10 March 2012
Pathology Media awards 2012 winners announced
The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) has announced the winners of its annual
media awards for excellence in journalism relating to pathology.
The awards, announced at the annual Pathology Update Conference at the Sydney Convention
Centre, celebrate the best portrayals and reporting of the importance of pathology in the media.
In the print media category, Sophie McNamara, news and career editor of the Medical Journal of
Australia, was honoured for her articles, ‘The Tissue Detectives’, ‘Careers in Anatomical Pathology”,
and 'Careers in Genetic Pathology'. All of her articles highlighted the growing demand for the discipline
of pathology, the desired attributes, and opportunities, challenges and rewards of the highly
specialised profession.
For broadcasting media, Ruth Beran, a radio presenter for Radio New Zealand National, was awarded
for showcasing the work of a dedicated Christchurch pathologist (working in an earthquake-damaged
lab) on the complexities of genetic diagnostic techniques for congenital afibrinoginemia . (a rare
inherited blood disorder in which the blood does not clot normally). The pathologists uses a case
study, illustrating the indispensability of pathology, and how the diagnostic results affected the patient's
life.
Both McNamara and Beran were awarded a $2,000 cheque and certificate and Sophie was able to
attend to receive her’s at the Conference on Friday night.
President of the RCPA, Professor Yee Khong, said both awardees skillfully translated the complex and
technical pathology issues into simple terms which engaged the general public.
”Not only did we see thorough journalistic research, we were also impressed by the usefulness of
these articles for medical students who have yet to choose their profession,” said Khong.
“This year, we also saw outstanding coverage of genetics and how it makes an important contribution
to our understanding of pathology and diseases.
“Congratulations to the winners, who truly represent the best in this year's coverage. Our thanks as
well to all those who made a submission, as there was a very strong field to chose from, all of whom
reported and portrayed pathology as being an essential service,” Professor Khong said.
Previous winners of the RCPA Media Awards have come from both the Australian and New Zealand
media. They include last year’s winner Megan Howe, from the Australian Doctor for 'Testing Updates'.
Winners in other years include: Kirrilly Burton (Medical Observer); Karen Brown(Radio NZ); Julie
Robotham (Sydney Morning Herald); Jill Margo (Australian Financial Review); Adam Cresswell (The
Australian); Sophie Scott (ABC TV); Janelle Miles (Courier Mail); Martin Johnston (New Zealand
Herald); Louise Hall (Sun Herald) and Gabrielle Boyle (Network Ten).
The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia
The RCPA is the leading organisation representing pathologists in Australasia. Its mission is to train
and support pathologists and to improve the use of pathology testing to achieve better healthcare.
For more information on Pathology Update, visit
http://www.rcpa.edu.au/Continuing/PathologyUpdate/PathologyUpdate2012
END
Media enquiries:
Dr Debra Graves
CEO – RCPA
0417 218 528
debrag@rcpa.edu.au
or
Jade Heng or Lyn Tan
S2i Communications
Jade: 0403 610 162
jade@s2i.com.au
Lyn: 0404 163 131
lyn@s2i.com.au