Australian Hero Tree Dedication - Professor Fiona Wood, FRACS AM

Australian Hero Tree Dedication - Professor Fiona Wood, FRACS AM

11 March 2021

In the week of International Women’s Day, Professor Fiona Wood FRACS AM, was recognised today by the ACT Government with an Australian Hero Tree Dedication in the Central Valley at the National Arboretum Canberra.

Special Minister of State, Chris Steel MLA, acknowledged Professor Wood’s significant contribution to medical science as highly skilled plastic and reconstructive surgeon, world leading burns specialist, and pioneer of burns medicine and technology.

Professor Wood is motivated by research and innovation and co-founded a skin culture laboratory with scientist Marie Stoner and is world-renowned for developing spray-on-skin for burn victims, a treatment that has revolutionised burns treatment around the world. Royalties from her company Clinical Cell Culture go towards further research through the Fiona Woods Foundation.

The spray-on skin invention first gained world fame treating 2002 Bali bombings where victims suffered between 2 and 92 percent body burns, deadly infections, and delayed shock, where Professor Wood led teams of surgeons to save 28 patients.

Professor Wood, Australian of the Year in 2005, said that receiving awards and acknowledgements allowed her voice to have a platform to raise awareness and spoke of the belief that everything we do today, is to make tomorrow better.

Uncle Warren Daley, Indigenous Ngunnawal elder, welcomed visiting dignitaries, guests and staff to country and wished everyone who travelled, a safe return.

Central Valley, recognised by the iconic zig-zag path, is bordered by hoop pine trees dedicated to Australian Heroes.