In Memory Of Dr Christopher Kohlenberg

The Council, members and staff of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricans and Gynaecologists were devastated to hear of the tragic death of Dr Christopher Kohlenberg in the Air Fiji plane crash near Suva on Saturday morning 24 July. Dr Kohlenberg had just completed a workshop teaching advanced ultrasound skills to Pacific Island Health Professionals in Suva. This skills transfer activity was one of his particular interests to which he haddevoted much time and energy. He had run several courses on the teaching of ultrasound skills to indigenous health workers in the Northern Territory and the Pacific Islands.

Dr Kohlenberg was elected to the College Council in October 1998 and was one of its youngest and most committed members. He was passionate about the causes he believed in. His professional position was Director of Ultrasound in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Nepean Hospital, Penrith and the University of Sydney.

As the College's NSW Training Supervisor, Dr Kohlenberg held overall responsibility for the postgraduate training of trainee obstetricians and gynaecologists in the State and was a member of the national training committee. His ethical beliefs, knowledge and enthusiasm made him the ideal role model for new specialists in training.

In addition to becoming a specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist, Dr Kohlenberg had undertaken further training in ultrasound imaging and more recently studies in ethics, for which been awarded the prestigious bioethics scholarship earlier this year. He was the Coordinator to Council of the College Bioethics Committee.

He was the driving force behind a bid to bring the largest conference of obstetrics and gynaecology, the World Congress of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, to Sydney in 2006, something which offers substantial benefits for the standard of healthcare of women in Australia.

He was a devoted husband to Cathy and a wonderful father to their two young daughters Ruth (8 years old) and Hannah (6). The Council, Fellows, Members, Trainees and Staff mourn the loss of their colleague and friend and send their heartfelt condolences to the family and close friends.

ENDS

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