The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) has appointed Anatomical Pathologist Dr Elizabeth Roberts as their Vice President for New Zealand.
Liz assumed the position in June this year and is proud to be nominated by her New Zealand colleagues and appointed from a regional laboratory.
“Often roles such as Vice President go to members in the main centres with large hospitals and tertiary institutions,” says Liz who is based at the Awanui laboratory in Nelson. “It is good for diversity and for our members to see someone from a smaller, regional laboratory go into a senior governance role.”
Liz became a Fellow of the RCPA in 1999 and builds on her extensive experience working with the College.
“I had previously been the Treasurer of RCPANZ, and after stepping back due to family and work commitments, I went back onto the national committee in May this year. Colleagues approached me last year about the possibility of taking the Vice President role when it emerged there may be a vacancy.
“Now I am in the role, I am working with amazing people, who also work with the College on a volunteer basis. It is a busy role and one thing which has already happened is my email inbox has exploded.”
Along with becoming Vice President, Liz is the Chair of the RCPA’s New Zealand Committee and sits on the RCPA Board of Directors. The Vice President represents the RCPANZ at the Council of Medical Colleges and NZ Medical Council.
“What I am conscious of is this role represents the whole pathology sector in New Zealand, both public and private.
“The College’s main activities are training and assessment of potential Fellows, ongoing education, advocacy in promoting and contributing to the science and practice of pathology, and leadership in all matters pertaining to the field in Australia and New Zealand. However, Fellows of the College also practice in Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and as far as Saudi Arabia,” says Liz.
“I really appreciate the support I have received from colleagues and Awanui to become Vice President alongside my work as a Pathologist at Medlab South.
“This will be a challenging position, but to be offered the role and opportunity, is an honour.”