Last week, across two nights of events, we celebrated those employees and volunteers who have contributed five, 10 and 15 years of invaluable service at Monash Health.
Among those celebrating were Ron Cheah and Associate Professor Atul Malhotra whose work in hospital pharmacy and neonatology respectively, has had a significant impact on the care we provide our community. Read more about their fascinating journeys below.
Scope of hospital pharmacy excites Ron Cheah – Project Officer, The National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship
Ron Cheah joined Monash Health after working as a community pharmacist for several years. While he enjoyed engaging with the community, he wanted to extend himself in a hospital environment.
He joined our pharmacy team – practising as a clinical pharmacist, working in compounding, aseptic manufacturing, medicines information, and as an antimicrobial stewardship pharmacist before he applied for a secondment to the Doherty Institute.
With support from the Director of Pharmacy, Associate Professor Sue Kirsa, he is currently working in a project officer role at The National Centre for Antimicrobial Stewardship, a group committed to promoting the rational use of antimicrobials throughout Australia.
“Antimicrobial resistance is an increasingly important global health issue. Our collective goal is to educate, empower, and increase the judicious use of antimicrobials to preserve them for future generations,” Ron says.
While seconded to the Doherty Institute, Ron maintains his relationship with Monash Health, by supporting pharmacy department research initiatives, putting his hand up to work at COVID vaccination clinics, and volunteering as a Human Research Ethics Low Risk Review panel member.
“Monash Health is a great place to work at, I have made some lifelong friendships here. It is a place where our staff value multidisciplinary collaboration to provide the best care to our patients,” he says. “I am enjoying my secondment – being able to contribute my expertise by writing guidelines, influencing policy and mentoring pharmacists in other countries.”
Congratulations Ron for your 10 years of service with us. We look forward to hearing more about your fantastic work at the Doherty Institute.
Passionate care for premature newborns, Associate Professor Atul Malhotra – Newborn Services, Monash Children’s Hospital, Clayton
Associate Professor Atul Malhotra is passionate about improving the care and treatment of sick and premature newborns, both here and around the world.
Dr Malhotra came to Monash Health from India via London, and started as a registrar. He became a fellow, then consultant, all while completing a PhD in science and conducting award-winning research.
With his wife, Monash Health obstetrician Dr Arunaz Kumar, Dr Malhotra also champions simulation medical education in developing countries.
His clinical research focuses on improving respiratory and neurological outcomes of high-risk infants. Atul is involved in randomised clinical trials in neonatal conditions, and he is keen on early neurodevelopment following high-risk birth. He is also a lead investigator of an NHMRC funded study on preterm neurodevelopment.
“I’ve seen the changes in outcomes for premature babies over the years, and have close connections with many of these families,” he says. “I love my job and how I combine clinical and research work. It’s a privilege to work at Monash Health.”
Congratulations Dr Malhorta, on 15 years of service at Monash Health.
Approved by David Bloxham.