On the evening of 22 January 2021, the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology virtually held the annual Chris Maxwell medal competition for the best registrar case presentation.

“This was the first time we had held the event remotely and we had more people than usual attend, so by any measure the evening was a great success,” explained Dr Paul Howat, Divisional Director – Women’s and Children’s Services.

Topics presented on included primary hyperparathyroidism diagnosed in labour, emergency presentation of germ cell tumours in young women, unusual causes of genital ulceration and pulmonary haemorrhage in pregnancy.

“These are all rare conditions and very important for all clinicians at Northern Health to be aware of,” Paul said.

The four entrants pictured below (clockwise from top left) were Dr Kim Pham, Dr Laura McKinley, Dr Sita Murugappan and Dr Thalia Ash.

All entrants were rewarded with a hamper of goodies posted out the day before, but there could only be one winner…

Dr Kim Pham took home the Chris Maxwell Medal for 2020!

Kim’s case presentation focused on a unique presentation of Behçet’s Disease – a rheumatological condition that can present with gynaecological signs.

“In an interesting twist of fate, Dr Kim Pham informed me afterwards that her husband had been delivered by Dr Chris Maxwell, who was a clinical director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at both PANCH and Northern Health for over 30 years, and the medal is named in his honour,” Paul said.

“Winning this award fills me with immense honour and pride – for the colleagues I work with and the standard of care we offer,” Kim said.

“It’s particularly important given the legacy of Chris Maxwell and his advocacy for staff and patients at Northern Health after its move from PANCH,” Kim said.

“Congratulations to Kim and to all of the entrants for a high standard of education and a great evening. Thank you to our guest judge, Dr David Langsford, and also to Dr Naomi Holbeach for being the MC for the evening,” Paul added.