Priscilla Kincaid-Smith
Priscilla Sheath Kincaid-Smith, Mrs. Fairley, AC, CBE (30 November 1926 – 18 July 2015), was an Australia-based South African physician and researcher, specializing in nephrology. She was a past President of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, Australian Medical Association, World Medical Association and International Society of Nephrology.
Background
Kincaid-Smith was born in Johannesburg in 1926[1] and studied medical science at the University of the Witwatersrand in there. She earned her BSc (Hons) in 1946 and her BMBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) in 1950. She was awarded a DSc by the University of the Witwatersrand in 1979. From 1951–53, she worked at Baragwanath Hospital in Johannesburg, holding resident positions in Medicine and Surgery and Registrar in Medicine.[2] She died on 18 July 2015 at the age of 88.[1]
Career
- Director of Nephrology, Royal Melbourne Hospital (1967–91)
- Professor of Medicine, University of Melbourne (1975–91)
- Physician in Nephrology, Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne (1976–91)
Research
In the early 1960s Kincaid-Smith demonstrated evidence of the links between headache powders containing phenacetin (sold as Bex in Australia) and kidney cancer,[3] and campaigned strongly against the use of such powders. She also contributed to research on links between high blood pressure and renal malfunction.[4]
Honours
- On 14 June 1975, she was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire "for services to medicine".
- In 1989 she was awarded the David Hume Award from the National Kidney Foundation (USA).
- In 1989 became a Companion of the Order of Australia.
Affiliations
Kincaid-Smith was President of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (1986–88), as well as past president of the Australian Medical Association, World Medical Association, and International Society of Nephrology. She was a Member of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute.
Family
Dr Kincaid-Smith married Dr Ken Fairley, also a medical doctor, in London in 1958.[2] They had three children, Jascenth, Stephen and Christopher, and eight grandchildren.
Death
Dr Kincaid-Smith died on 18 July 2015, aged 88, surrounded by family at her home in Melbourne, Australia from complications following a stroke.[5]
References
- 1 2 "Death Notice: KINCAID-SMITH (Fairley) Professor Priscilla AC, CBE". Fairfax Media. 21 July 2015. Retrieved 21 July 2015.
- 1 2 Profile, science.org.au; accessed 21 July 2015. Archived March 8, 2009 at the Wayback Machine
- ↑ Sue Dunlevy, "Cancer Council NSW: Bex powder killed more than pain", News Corporation: Sydney; accessed 30 August 2014.
- ↑ Profile, womenaustralia.info; accessed 21 July 2015.
- ↑ Buzacott-Speer, Eliza. "Obituary: Taboo-breaking doctor Priscilla Kincaid-Smith remembered as trailblazer for women". ABC News. ABC Australia. Retrieved 8 October 2015.
External links
- The Lancet
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research Leadership webpage
- Priscilla Kincaid-Smith remembered, abc.net.au, 21 July 2015.
|