A Cabrini world-leading urogynaecologist, a dual-trained nephrologist-general physician and leading voice in mental health awareness, an extraordinary community volunteer, inspirational former Board members, and a generous Cabrini donor were last week among the 949 Australians recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List.

The six recipients with close ties to Cabrini were awarded for their remarkable contributions to our country.

Urogynaecologist Professor Anna Rosamilia AM, who was recognised as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to medicine as a leader in women’s pelvic floor medicine and reconstructive surgery, was in the party capital of the world to celebrate the announcement of the King’s Birthday Honours.

“I’m in Rio at our International Urogynaecology Association (IUGA) meeting, which is quite fitting,” Prof Rosamilia, who is President of the Association, said on the day of the announcement.

“I’m very honoured and grateful. It’s so lovely to be nominated by colleagues for the work we do and are passionate about.”

She is grateful for the recognition and hopes it helps to further shine a spotlight on pelvic floor disorders.

“One in four women have a pelvic floor disorder,” Prof Rosamilia said. “Mentoring and education both nationally and internationally has allowed us to raise public awareness, conduct good quality research and aim for the best possible outcomes for the women in our care. This is the ultimate in job satisfaction.

“And at Cabrini, the hospital’s emphasis on compassion, respect and excellence in patient care has provided a wonderful environment to foster this.”

Cabrini’s Dr Dov Aharon Degen OAM is a dual-trained nephrologist and general medicine physician who combines his work in kidney health with mental health awareness. He was “shocked” when he learned of his recognition via a phone call from Canberra, “convinced it was a scam call until it was explained that I had received an Order of Australia”.

Dr Degen was recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to medicine and mental health support

“I’ve been a mental health advocate for SANE Australia and Beyond Blue since 2015 and I’ve shared my story as a doctor living with bipolar disorder countless times and across numerous media platforms,” he said.

“I chose to be an advocate as I was tired of living with the shame of having a label of bipolar disorder. I have unfortunately been on the receiving end of stigma from the healthcare profession and wanted to influence culture change. My vision is to strive for a society where doctors affected by mental illness are treated no differently to those with physical ailments by their peers and employers.

“This OAM award will allow me to amplify my message at a national level in order to reduce stigma and bring about the necessary funding, support and policy implementation required to help tackle this complex and multifaceted issue.”

Tallilah May OAM has been a volunteer with Cabrini’s Pastoral and Bereavement Service, visiting Jewish patients at Cabrini Malvern and Cabrini Brighton since 2000. She has been recognised in this year’s Honours with an OAM for her longstanding and deep contribution for service to Victoria’s Jewish community.

Tallilah, who is appreciated for her warmth and kindness during patient visits, embodies Cabrini’s values every day, and was “tickled pink” to receive the Honour.

“I’m honoured to have been acknowledged,” Tallilah said. “And I’m also pleased that the Award shines a spotlight on all volunteers and the importance of volunteering in building up our community.”

We also recognise former Cabrini Board Member, the late Professor Katie Allen, who was posthumously appointed as an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to medical research as a paediatric allergist and gastroenterologist, and the people and Parliament of Australia.

Prof Allen was a principled and thoughtful leader, known for her rigorous approach to quality and safety and an unwavering focus on patient-centred care. Her contributions to Cabrini, to medical research and to the broader Australian community will live on.

Robert Zahara OAM also served on the Cabrini Board between 2004 and 2014 and has been recognised in this year’s Honours for his service to rowing, while we also extend our congratulations to philanthropist Janet Calvert-Jones AC.

Janet was awarded a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC), the nation’s highest civilian honour, in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours for eminent service to philanthropy, the arts, medical research organisations, the community, and to children and youth. Cabrini is a grateful recipient of Janet’s generosity. Her support for Cabrini Research has helped to build the foundations that allow Cabrini to pursue excellence in patient care.

We wish all recipients of King’s Birthday Honours our sincere congratulations.