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| Dr. Fiona Wood | |
|---|---|
| Name | Fiona Wood |
| Birth date | 1958 |
| Birth place | Perth, Western Australia |
| Occupation | Plastic surgeon, researcher |
| Known for | Spray-on skin |
| Awards | Australian of the Year (2005) |
Dr. Fiona Wood is an Australian plastic and reconstructive surgeon and clinician-scientist known for pioneering advances in burn treatment, particularly the development of "spray-on skin". She has worked across major trauma centres and research institutions, combining clinical practice with translational research and public advocacy. Her career intersects with prominent hospitals, universities, funding bodies and national honours.
Born in Perth, Western Australia, Wood received early schooling before undertaking medical studies at the University of Western Australia and later surgical training in Australia and the United Kingdom. During postgraduate training she engaged with institutions such as Royal Perth Hospital, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, and hospitals affiliated with the University of Oxford. Her formative mentors and colleagues included surgeons and academics from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, the British Medical Association and teaching hospitals in London and Edinburgh.
Wood established a career combining clinical burn surgery with laboratory research at centres including Royal Perth Hospital, the University of Western Australia and the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research. Her work connected to networks involving the Australian National University, Monash University, the University of Melbourne and international collaborators at Massachusetts General Hospital, the University of Toronto and the University of Sydney. She published and presented at meetings organised by the International Society for Burn Injuries, the American Burn Association and the European Burn Association, and engaged with funding agencies such as the National Health and Medical Research Council and the Australian Research Council.
Working with scientists and entrepreneurs, Wood helped translate tissue engineering methods into a clinical product often referred to as "spray-on skin", developed in collaboration with researchers, biotechnology companies and bioengineers. The program drew on concepts and methods from cell culture teams at institutions like the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, and biotech groups linked to CSIRO and the Garvan Institute. The technology was trialled in burn units alongside established therapies pioneered by historical figures in burn care and modern developments from centres in the United States, United Kingdom and Europe.
As a consultant and head of service, Wood led burn units and surgical teams at major hospitals and influenced clinical protocols through professional bodies including the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Australasian Burn Association. She collaborated with emergency services, ambulance networks, the WA Department of Health and national trauma networks during mass-casualty events and disasters. Wood also held advisory roles on hospital executive committees and participated in guideline development with organisations such as the World Health Organization and specialist societies in plastic surgery and critical care.
Wood's recognition includes national and international awards from institutions including the Australian of the Year awards, honorary degrees from universities, medals and fellowships from surgical colleges and invitations to serve on advisory panels for research councils and philanthropic foundations. She has been associated with honours and ceremonies involving the Governor-General, state governments, learned academies such as the Australian Academy of Science and medical associations across Australia and overseas.
Outside clinical work, Wood engaged in community outreach, public education campaigns and advocacy on burn prevention with agencies such as state fire services, the Australian Red Cross and national health promotion bodies. She participated in fundraising efforts with charities and foundations, and collaborated with media organisations, broadcasters and publishers to raise awareness of burn injury treatment and rehabilitation. Her personal affiliations included connections to professional networks spanning universities, hospitals and research institutes.
Category:Australian surgeons Category:Plastic surgeons Category:People from Perth, Western Australia