Englemed writer wins award

Congratulations to our Australian correspondent Leigh Parry who has won a major award in her home country for her writing.

Leigh's work in medical journalism came to the attention of the judges through her feature articles in a local magazine, the Medical Observer.

Here are the full details of her success:

Awards recognise outstanding contribution to medical journalism
Leigh Parry and Helen Signy recognised with RACGP Media Awards
 2 OCTOBER 2008 - The Royal Australian College of General Practitioner (RACGP) is presenting two awards tonight recognising contributions to Australian medical journalism.

Dr Vasantha Preetham, outgoing RACGP President, will be presenting the awards tonight at the Academic Session of the Wonca Asia Pacific Regional Conference/RACGP Annual Scientific Convention 2008 in Melbourne.

The awards recognise the excellent work of medical journalists in the areas of general practice news journalism and general practice clinical journalism.

“The media plays an important role in communicating key health care messages to the public. This means that journalists have a critical role in ensuring their reports are accurate, balanced and responsible,” said Dr Preetham.

“The RACGP is a champion of quality and excellence in general practice, so it is no surprise that we have extended this to health journalism! Congratulations to Leigh and Helen,” said Dr Preetham.

The winners for 2008 are:

RACGP Award for General Practice Clinical Journalism
2008 Winner: Leigh Parry (Medical Observer)
This award recognises the medical journalist whose work displays the specialist skills required for accurate reporting of clinical medical issues and whose work has had a significant impact on Australian general practice over the past year. The winner’s work has been judged as having consistently met high standards through appropriate research, balanced reporting and demonstrating respect for their audience, and whose work has supported high standards of general practice care for the people of Australia. In particular, Leigh is being recognised for her Medical Observer feature stories, which are balanced and well researched.