Vale
Dr Elizabeth Lewis AM, FRACS, FRCS (Eng), FRCS (Glas).
Neurosurgeon, Medical Leader
We note with regret the passing of one of Monash Health’s medical pioneers, Elizabeth Lewis, who passed away in late August.
Elizabeth was the first female neurosurgeon in Australia, and a renowned paediatric neurosurgeon.
She trained and inspired several generations of clinicians.
During a recent tour of Monash Children’s Hospital she recounted her connection to Monash Health extended back to the (then) Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital when she “cleaned out the basement as a Girl Guide.”
Observing the work of the staff helped inspire her medical ambition, and after qualifying in Melbourne, she worked for three years in England before returning to work as an Honorary Surgeon at Queen Vic.
Elizabeth then spent time at Cambridge to study adult neurosurgery, before returning to the ‘Queen Vic’ as the first neurosurgeon on site.
Over subsequent decades Elizabeth’s contribution extended beyond care of individual patients, and she became a medical leader, serving as Secretary and later Chair of Senior Medical Staff, and Medical Director of the (then) Children’s Program.
She was an important contributor to the development of Monash Medical Centre in Clayton, and in later years played a key role in building links between Monash Health and the Papua New Guinea health system.
Her achievements were recognised in 1992 when she was awarded an AM for her contribution to neurosurgery and medical administration.
Approved by Associate Professor Anjali Dhulia, Chief Medical Officer, Executive Director, Medical Services