At HSANZ's recent AGM at Blood 2025 in Perth, we were delighted to award Life Membership to A/Prof Robert Bird and A/Prof Carole Smith.
A/Prof Robert Bird and A/Prof Carole Smith join a list of distinguished colleagues who have each made material contributions towards the advancement of haematology. Please view our full list of life members here.
The citations for A/Prof Bird and A/Prof Smith can be read below:
A/Prof Robert Bird
Dr Robert Bird is an internationally renowned expert in immunohaematological disorders, particularly adult immune cytopenias, and a strong advocate for haematology trainees throughout his career in both the UK and Australia.
Dr Bird received his MBBS from the University of London, as well as fellowships of the Royal College of Physicians, Royal Australasian College of Physicians and Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia. He began his haematology practice in Cairns, before moving to the Princess Alexandra Hospital where he has served as Director of Haematology in both a clinical and laboratory capacity. He has chaired Blood Management Committees, Blood Products Advisory Committees and been the Chief Examiner for RCPA Haematology from 2016-2019 as well as chair of the Joint College Training in Haematology RACP/RCPA 2015 to November 2023. Throughout this time Dr Bird has been generous with time as a teacher and mentor and supported many colleagues to complete their training in Queensland.
Dr Bird has authored over 60 publications and been cited over 1200 times for his significant contributions to advancing care and improving outcomes for patients with ITP. He is an internationally recognised expert ITP clinician, a dedicated member of the ITP ANZ Medical Advisory Board, and Chairman of the ITPANZ Board.
Dr Bird exemplifies the HSANZ purpose of leadership and excellence in haematology practice and professional development, and has always been an advocate for HSANZ values. He is a well-respected and liked peer, researcher, supervisor and mentor to many.
A/Prof Carole Smith
Associate Professor Carole Smith is a dual-trained clinical and laboratory haematologist whose career has influenced haematology practice and training in Australia.
Carole completed her medical degree at the University of Melbourne and went on to achieve FRACP and FRCPA fellowships, reflecting her dual expertise. She obtained a post graduate degree, MD, also from the University of Melbourne. She served for many years at Austin Health as the Medical Director at Austin Pathology, where she established new services including apheresis and stem cell autografting, and developed molecular diagnostic testing as well as laboratory support for allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.
As Medical Director of Austin Pathology, she shaped transfusion medicine, anticoagulation policy, and quality governance, and chaired the Austin Health Human Research Ethics Committee (2016–2024), ensuring ethical excellence in research.
Since 2016, Carole has continued her laboratory and clinical practice with Dorevitch Pathology, while remaining deeply committed to education and mentoring. She has supervised countless haematology trainees, FRACP/FRCPA candidates and PhD students, and has been a respected speaker at national and international scientific meetings.
Her research contributions span chemotherapy mechanisms, clinical trials, haemostasis and thrombosis, while her leadership within the haematology community has contributed to patient care, training, and innovation.
Carole’s lifelong dedication, clinical and academic contributions, and service to the haematology profession makes her an ideal candidate for HSANZ Life Membership.
