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The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation has awarded a $35,000 fellowship grant to Auckland plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr Meredith Simcock, to advance her studies in Canada this year.

Dr Simcock began a highly sought-after Reconstructive Breast Fellowship in Toronto in Janaury, working alongside some of North America’s top reconstructive plastic surgeons.

Dr Simcock, who grew up in Auckland, has worked at a number of large hospitals  in New Zealand, and intends to return to Middlemore Hospital in 2010 to work in their Plastics Unit, with special emphasis on the development of their breast service.

She says she always wanted to be a doctor, and it became very clear early in her career she wanted to be a surgeon. She particularly likes the artistic and sculpting side of breast reconstructive surgery and finds it rewarding helping women feel fully functional again.

“I feel very privileged to be allowed into womens’ lives at a very stressful time, and when you’ve been able to give something back to them, and they feel better, it is very satisfying.

“I’ve been very fortunate to work with, and learn from, some wonderfully talented surgeons in New Zealand, and I want to keep learning and bring that knowledge back to New Zealand with me,” she says.

Dr Simcock has already worked overseas and says New Zealanders are often highly regarded and can hold their own with the best of them on the international stage.

“It’s a two-way street. We can show them what we’re capable of, and we can polish our knowledge and skills as well.”

Teaching others in the medical profession is something Dr Simcock is also keen on, and she is a great believer in taking care to communicate well with patients. “That’s why I think it’s healthy to have interests outside of work, otherwise you risk becoming too narrow and stressed and obsessed! It’s important for doctors to be part of society, to see patients as people, and not just those in need of care.”





Pink Ribbon breakfasts for mums in May
May is the month for mums, so it’s a good time to look after yourself and the other women in your life.

Research shows that making simple healthy lifestyle changes – with losing weight a top priority – is the best way to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.

Women who lose at least 4kg between the age of 30 and 50 have a 40% reduced risk of breast cancer, and those achieving the same weight loss after the age of 50 cut their risk by 25%.

The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation and Weight Watchers have joined forces to raise funds for breast cancer research during the month of May with the launch of the Pink Ribbon Breakfast – the most important breakfast of the year. You can help raise money by holding your own Pink Ribbon Breakfast.




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