WHA Medal of Distinction 2022 Recipient 

Professor Callaway’s contribution to women’s and newborn health in the Australian population, includes: 1) National guidelines: She led the development of national clinical practice guidelines for the management of pre-gestational diabetes and screening for gestational diabetes (GDM); and, 2) Translation of Research into Practice including research regarding breastfeeding and insulin therapy in women with type 1 diabetes underpins the practical advice provided in national guidelines.

She has also led significant improvement into health systems, services, policy, programs, specifically writing, implementing and evaluating local and state-wide clinical practice guidelines (Obesity, Diabetes, Growth Restriction, Obstetric Cholestasis, Hypertension, Thromboembolism, COVID-19 and pregnancy). She also led the simplification of GDM screening processes during the pandemic in Qld, adopted Australia wide and internationally, with publications in press. She has >20 local, inter/national presentations about compassionate clinical care for larger bodied women (based on her research about childhood trauma), with consistent feedback that these profoundly affect clinician attitudes and clinical practice.

Professor Callaway leads the Queensland Maternity and Perinatal Queensland Council enquiry into preventative strategies for maternal suicide. Professor Callaway contributes to health system reform to prevent adverse health outcomes through early life public health and health service interventions (prevention of low birth weight and prematurity, promotion of mother-infant attachment and breastfeeding).

Professor Callaway advocated for and contributed to amendment of the Public Health Act of Qld to make reporting of maternal deaths compulsory, implemented in 2014. Professor Callaway advocated for inclusion of Body Mass Index in routinely collected perinatal data Australia wide (late 2000’s) and led the introduction of routine congenital syphilis screening at 28 weeks gestation throughout Qld in 2022. Her senior leadership experience includes a strong track record of community partnership (primary healthcare networks, government, community and consumer organizations, specialist societies, media) and promotion of consumer voices. 

 Professor Callaway eight PhD scholars supervised to completion, with a further eight under supervision. Supervisor for >40 basic and advanced physician trainees. College examiner. In the past 5 years, as Director of Research, led a >30% increase in publications, grant funding and clinicians undertaking PhD’s, through role modelling and mentorship.