Endocrine medal awarded to Liggins Director

Leading paediatric endocrinologist and Director of the Liggins Institute, Professor Wayne Cutfield was honoured at the Australasian Paediatric Endocrine Group (APEG) Annual Scientific meeting last week. He became the fourth recipient of the prestigious Norman Wettenhall Medal for Research and Innovation.

APEG is the professional body representing more than 200 members in Australia and New Zealand involved in management and research around children with hormonal disorders. The society was founded as an initiative of the late Dr Norman Wettenhall (1915 – 2000), a pioneer in developing and gaining recognition for the specialty of Paediatric Endocrinology in Australia.

Dr Wettenhall is equally remembered as a dedicated amateur ornithologist. The medal which commemorates his contributions to the specialty fittingly includes a magpie in its design. First awarded in 2007, the medal was designed and made by fellow endocrinologist Dr Margaret Zacharin. It is awarded every other year to a member who has made an outstanding research contribution to the discipline.

As APEG President at the meeting, Associate Professor Paul Hofman paid tribute to his colleague, describing Cutfield’s outstanding research record, initiative, drive and vision.

“During 14 years as Clinical Director of Paediatric Endocrinology at Auckland Hospital he established and developed a vibrant, world-class service, introducing a number of innovative clinical strategies to improve the diabetes service,” said Dr Hofman.

“In parallel he has grown a highly productive research team, initially in The University of Auckland Department of Paediatrics and later at the Liggins Institute, where he established the state-of the-art Paykel Clinical Research Unit.”

Professor Cutfield has served as President of the Asia Pacific Paediatric Endocrine Society (APPES) whose members collectively care for around 60% of the world’s children. He was appointed Liggins Institute Director in 2009.

“Wayne Cutfield has an outstanding research record and justifiably has been awarded APEG’s 2013 Norman Wettenhall Medal for Research and Innovation,” concluded Hofman, who is Clinical Director of the Institute’s Paykel Clinical Research Unit and President-Elect of APPES.