Congratulations to Professor Erica Wood, Consultant Haematologist at Monash Medical Centre, who was awarded the International Haemovigilance Medal last month.
President of the International Haemovigilance Network from 2013-19, Prof Wood was recognised for her commitment to scientific work supporting the safety and efficacy of blood transfusions, highlighting the importance of haemovigilance for both patients and donors. She is the first Australian to receive the award.
“I was pleased and surprised to be awarded this honour…it’s awarded by peers around the world,” she says.
Awarded typically every two years, Prof Wood received the award in person at the IHN-SHOT Symposium in the United Kingdom. Prof Wood delivered the opening lecture at the Symposium, following which she received the prestigious award.
“It was a wonderful occasion,” she says.
As Head of the Transfusion Research Unit at Monash University, Prof Wood stresses that transfusions can save lives, but they also carry risks, such as the possibility of transfusion reactions.
“It’s important to understand these risks and do what we can to prevent them.”
Through the International Haemovigilance Network, Prof Wood shares learnings and new practices globally, assisting in establishing common global understandings of haemovigilance.
Closer to home, Prof Wood is focused on clinical trials to improve the transfusion evidence base, and in her hospital work, advising on complex patient matters.
We congratulate Prof Wood for this internationally recognised achievement!
Approved by Anjali Dhulia