Leading stillbirth and antenatal care researcher receives AMA Women’s Health Award
An acclaimed Melbourne researcher and junior doctor has been awarded the AMA Women’s Health Award for his extensive contributions to improving stillbirth prevention and antenatal care.
Dr Keeth Mayakaduwage, a resident medical officer at Monash Health, was presented with the award at the AMA24 national conference on the Gold Coast on Friday.
Dr Mayakaduwage’s extensive research, in collaboration with Safer Care Victoria and the Stillbirth Centre of Research Excellence, has significantly advanced Australia’s understanding of the complexities of stillbirth and the importance of evidence-based practices.
His findings have been presented at several high-profile conferences and he has received numerous accolades for his contributions to obstetric research.
Dr Mayakaduwage’s leadership in the Victorian government’s evaluation of the Safer Baby Bundle has also been instrumental in improving antenatal care.
"I am incredibly honoured to receive the AMA Women's Health Award and deeply grateful to those who nominated me,” Dr Mayakaduwage said.
“This recognition is a testament to the collaborative efforts of so many dedicated individuals and organisations working tirelessly to advance women's health.”
Dr Mayakaduwage said receiving the award inspired him to further his commitment to improving women’s health and stillbirth prevention — a cause he said was close to his heart.
“Australia is one of the safest places in the world to give birth, yet six babies are stillborn each day, affecting more than 2000 Australian families every year,” he said.
“This underscores the urgent need for continued efforts in research, advocacy, and policy development to ensure better health outcomes for all women.”
AMA President Professor Steve Robson said, as an obstetrician and gynaecologist, he dealt with the sad reality of stillbirth.
“I am extremely honoured to present the AMA Women’s Health Award to Dr Mayakaduwage, as his contributions to women’s health and stillbirth prevention cannot be understated,” Professor Robson said.
“Dr Mayakaduwage has shown incredible dedication to this extremely important cause, not only through his research, but also through his various roles on international and national women’s health committees.”
Professor Robson also congratulated the finalists for the AMA’s Women’s Health Award — Professor Magdalena Simonis AM, Dr Kelly-Anne Phillips and Dr Tara Frommer — and said they all demonstrated excellence in advancing women’s health.