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Monash Health is well represented in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours recipients, with current and former members of our organisation recognised for their service to healthcare, research, education and the community.
The honours recognise Australians who have made outstanding contributions to their profession, community and country.
Get to know our King’s Birthday Honours recipients and their contributions below:
Mr Peter Robert Coombs AM
Peter has been our Sonographer in Charge at Monash Health since 2005 and founded the Monash Health Sonographer Fellowship Program in 2014. He was recognised for his significant service to sonography, tertiary education and clinical training.
Speaking to the Australian Associated Press (AAP), Mr Coombs called it a ‘little jewel’ of a profession.
‘The joy of ultrasound is you meet with a client, and you meet them at their moment: that might be someone at risk of miscarriage, who might have a clot in their leg, or someone worried about breast cancer.’
‘One of the things that I’ve tried to do over the journey is instil kindness and care and empathy.’
You can learn about one of Peter’s previous projects, which was based in Cambodia, on the Monash Health website.
Professor Anna Rosamilia AM
Anna has been Head of the Pelvic Floor Unit at Monash Medical Centre since 2008, having first begun her journey at the centre in 1988. Anna is being recognised for significant service to urogynaecology through education, mentoring and training.
‘[I am] so grateful to be receiving this award for mentoring and education in urogynaecology,’ said Anna.
‘Much of this has been done as part of our wonderful team in the Women’s program at Monash Health and from there it’s led to opportunities nationally and internationally. One in 4 women will have a pelvic floor disorder in their lifetime; we are committed to helping women overcome these. Truly a team effort.’
You can learn more about Anna’s work on the Monash Health website.
Professor Andrew Stripp AM
Andrew was Chief Executive of Monash Health from 2016 to 2023.
He was recognised for significant service to medical administration through executive and governance roles.
Mr Alex Laslowski OAM
Alex is our Principal Scientist in Anatomical Pathology at Monash Health and has been with the health service since 1994. He is recognised for his service in medical science and anatomical pathology.
‘This recognition helps to shine a light on the vital, often behind-the-scenes, world of medical science and pathology, which is the foundation of almost every medical decision,’ said Alex.
‘I have worked for Monash Health as a medical scientist for more than 32 years, during which I have seen many changes and improvements to how we operate. Over the years, I have been an advocate for improving how we deliver results both locally at Monash Health, nationally and internationally, for which I have been recognised both within my field and ultimately with this OAM.’
‘While my name may be on this award, the work it honours was never a solo endeavour. I have been privileged to work alongside an extraordinary team who work tirelessly towards the best possible outcome for patients.’
You can learn more about Alex’s journey and contributions on Berwick Star News.
Dr Paul Valent OAM
Paul is a former Liaison Psychiatrist at Monash Medical Centre. He is recognised for his service to the Jewish community.
Congratulations to each King’s Birthday Honours recipient on their significant and well-deserved recognition. The full list of recipients can be viewed on the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia’s website.
