Doctor of the Year 2021

8 Dec 2021

Prof Cheng has worked at St John of God Mt Lawley Hospital since 1992 when her mentor Dr Tom Waters helped her to set up her office and encouraged her to practice at the site.

“Our original office was part of the heritage listed Killowen House rooms and I moved into the Medical Centre later on, said Prof Cheng.

“I was then able to repay Dr Waters for his support by providing him the use of my office when he later retired.

She trained in Perth, going onto study her doctorate in Liver disease in Queensland and her fellowship in Liver Hepatology at the University of Southern California. With so many accolades against her name she is also dedicated to supporting others in her field.

“I have always prioritised the teaching and mentorship for younger generation especially medical students and junior doctors, said Prof Cheng.

“I now share my rooms with two doctors who I once trained when they were registrars, Dr Lorenzo Tarquinio and Dr Luca Crostella. I am very proud of their achievements”

Prof Cheng was also instrumental in the planning and development of the endoscopy unit as we know it today.

“We were consulted on the very early planning of the unit and I knew this was the best way to ensure the best use of space for doctors and best care for my patients, she said.

“I remember having regular meetings to plan the unit with Dr Waters, the Charge Nurse, the then Chief Executive Officer and the architect – it was important to have both medical and nursing involvement.

“I still maintain that the Mt Lawley Endoscopy Unit is the best designed unit in Perth.”

Prof Cheng has never lost sight that her considerable experience and study is ultimately to improve patient outcomes in the field of gastroenterology and liver disease.

“By using best practice principles we can strive for the highest standard of care to patients, said Prof Cheng.

“This requires ongoing clinical research and being involved in organisations and committees which can transform patient management and improve outcomes in the long-term.”

Prof Cheng adds the Doctor of the Year Award to a long career of awards and achievements, including:

• Fellow of the American Association for the study of Liver Diseases – AASLD  (international peak Hepatology body for contribution towards field of Hepatology)
• Gastroenterological Society  of Australia (GESA) award -  Outstanding Clinician Award (one award per year by national Gastroenterology body)
• Outstanding Service Award – Royal Perth Hospital (development of Liver Service at RPH – clinical and research program,  establishment of the first Hepatology Telehealth and  first Hepatology Nurse Practitioner services in Australia)
• Clinical/Adjunct Professorship at UWA, Curtin University and ECU.

Prof Cheng describes herself as a “doer” and her long list of accomplishments is certainly proof of that.

Congratulations to Prof Wendy Cheng on being awarded the Doctor of the Year for 2021 and for a lifetime of dedication to the hospital and her patients.