Catherine Hamlin
Encyclopedia
Catherine Hamlin (née Nicholson), AC
, MBBS, FRCS
, FRANZCOG
, FRCOG
is an Australian obstetrician and gynaecologist who, with her late husband New Zealander Dr. Reg Hamlin, co-founded the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital
, the world's only medical centre dedicated exclusively to providing free obstetric fistula repair surgery to poor women suffering from childbirth
injuries. They also co-founded an associated non-profit organisation, Hamlin Fistula.
Hamlin has been recognised by the United Nations
agency UNFPA as a pioneer in fistula surgery for her development of techniques and procedures for obstetric fistula treatment. She, her husband, and the hospital's medical staff have treated more than 34,000 women for obstetric fistula
.
, at ‘The Hermitage’, built by John Blaxland
in 1842. One of six children of Elinor and Theodore Nicholson, Catherine went to Frensham School
in Mittagong, New South Wales
, before going to the University of Sydney
and graduating from its Medical School in 1946.
After internships at St Joseph’s Hospital Auburn
, and St George Hospital Kogarah, she became a resident in obstetrics at Crown Street Women's Hospital. In 1950 she married Dr Reginald Hamlin, medical superintendent at Crown Street and in 1959 the couple accepted a contract with the Ethiopian Government to set up a midwifery school in Addis Ababa
. Hamlin's son, Richard, lives in the UK with his wife Diana and their four children.
for an obstetrician and gynaecologist to establish a Midwifery School at the Princess Tsehay Hospital in Addis Ababa
. They arrived in 1959 on a three-year contract with the Ethiopian Government but only about 10 midwives had been trained before the Government closed the midwifery school. The Hamlins had never seen an obstetric fistula
before – they were an "academic rarity" having been virtually eradicated in the United States in 1895. (The first fistula hospital closed its doors in New York City in 1925.) Seeing many cases arrive at the school, they decided to create a dedicated hospital. Fifteen years later, they founded Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital.
Catherine Hamlin lives in her cottage on the grounds of the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital as she has done for over thirty-five years. At the age of 87 she still remains very active in the work of the Hospital and operates every Thursday morning. Richard Hamlin is actively involved in the activities of the Hospital and sits on its Board of Trustees.
, England
and the United States
. On 26 January 1983, she was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia
for her services to gynaecology
in developing countries and on 26 January 1995, Dr. Hamlin was awarded Australia's highest honour, being promoted to the grade of Companion of the Order of Australia
. On 1 January 2001, she was awarded the Centenary Medal
for "long and outstanding service to international development in Africa". She is the author of the best-selling book The Hospital by the River: a story of hope. She has been described as a modern day "Mother Teresa" in an editorial by Pulitzer Prize winning writer Nicholas Kristof of the New York Times. Dr. Hamlin appeared on the Oprah Winfrey television show in January 2004 and the episode was included in Ms. Winfrey's 20-year anthology collection. Ms. Winfrey travelled to the hospital and filmed another episode for her show, broadcast in December 2005. The 2007 documentary, "A Walk to Beautiful
" featured five Ethiopian women who were treated and cured by Dr. Hamlin and her team at the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital In 2009 she was awarded the Right Livelihood Award
, also called the "Alternate Nobel Prize".
Dr Hamlin was among 50 prominent Australians invited by the Governor-General of Australia
, Quentin Bryce
, to take lunch with Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh
at Government House, Canberra
on 23 October 2011.
1984 ANZAC Peace Prize
1987 Gold Medal of Merit, Order of St. Gregory the Great
1989 Honorary Gold Medal, Royal College of Surgeons
1995 Companion of the Order of Australia
1998 Rotary Award for World Understanding and Peace, Rotary International
1999 Nominee, Nobel Peace Prize
2000 Centenary Medal
, The Order of Australia Association
2003 Honorary Fellow, American College of Surgeons
2004 National Living Treasure of Australia
, National Trust of Australia
2004 Best Practices in Global Health, Global Health Council
2005 Honorary Fellow, Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
2005 Doctor of Medicine Honoris causa, University of Sydney
2006 Doctorate of Law, Honoris causa, University of Dundee
2006 Honorary Fellow of the Australian College of Educators
2009 Gold Medal, World Association for Sexual Health
2009 Right Livelihood Award
, Stockholm, Sweden
2010 Honorary Doctorate, Addis Ababa University
, Ethiopia
2010 Lifetime Achievement Award, "People to People", Ethiopia
2010 Achievement Award, (International Women's Day), President of Ethiopia
2004 Dr Nathan Davis Award for Outstanding Global Health Initiative, American Medical Association
2007 The Best Humanitarian and Social Service in Ethiopia – President of Ethiopia His Excellency Ato Girma Wolde-Giorgis
Order of Australia
The Order of Australia is an order of chivalry established on 14 February 1975 by Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia, "for the purpose of according recognition to Australian citizens and other persons for achievement or for meritorious service"...
, MBBS, FRCS
Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons
Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons is a professional qualification to practise as a surgeon in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland...
, FRANZCOG
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists is the body responsible for training and examining obstetricians and gynaecologists in New Zealand and Australia...
, FRCOG
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists is a professional association based in the UK. Its members, including people with and without medical degrees, work in the field of obstetrics and gynaecology, that is, pregnancy, childbirth, and female sexual and reproductive health...
is an Australian obstetrician and gynaecologist who, with her late husband New Zealander Dr. Reg Hamlin, co-founded the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital
Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital
Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital and its regional Hamlin Fistula Centres provide comprehensive care for women who suffer from incontinence, physical impairment, shame and marginalisation as a result of an obstetric fistula...
, the world's only medical centre dedicated exclusively to providing free obstetric fistula repair surgery to poor women suffering from childbirth
Childbirth
Childbirth is the culmination of a human pregnancy or gestation period with the birth of one or more newborn infants from a woman's uterus...
injuries. They also co-founded an associated non-profit organisation, Hamlin Fistula.
Hamlin has been recognised by the United Nations
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
agency UNFPA as a pioneer in fistula surgery for her development of techniques and procedures for obstetric fistula treatment. She, her husband, and the hospital's medical staff have treated more than 34,000 women for obstetric fistula
Obstetric fistula
Obstetric fistula is a severe medical condition in which a fistula develops between either the rectum and vagina or between the bladder and vagina after severe or failed childbirth, when adequate medical care is not available.-Symptoms and signs:The resulting disorders typically include...
.
Family and education
Hamlin's family lived lived in the suburb of Ryde, New South WalesRyde, New South Wales
Ryde is a suburb of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Ryde is located 13 km north-west of the Sydney central business district and 8 km east of Parramatta. Ryde is the administrative centre of the local government area of the City of Ryde and part of the Northern Suburbs area...
, at ‘The Hermitage’, built by John Blaxland
John Blaxland
John Blaxland was a pioneer settler and explorer in Australia.-Early life:Blaxland was born in Kent, the eldest son of John Blaxland and Mary, née Parker, of Fordwich, Kent, England. He was the older brother of Gregory Blaxland. John Blaxland was educated at The King's School, Canterbury, later...
in 1842. One of six children of Elinor and Theodore Nicholson, Catherine went to Frensham School
Frensham School
Frensham School is an independent, non-denominational, secondary, day and boarding school for girls, located at Mittagong, south of Sydney, in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia....
in Mittagong, New South Wales
Mittagong, New South Wales
Mittagong is a town located in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, in Wingecarribee Shire. At the 2006 census, Mittagong had a population of 7,460 people. The town can be seen as the gateway to the Southern Highlands when coming from Sydney. The town is close to Bowral, Berrima,...
, before going to the University of Sydney
University of Sydney
The University of Sydney is a public university located in Sydney, New South Wales. The main campus spreads across the suburbs of Camperdown and Darlington on the southwestern outskirts of the Sydney CBD. Founded in 1850, it is the oldest university in Australia and Oceania...
and graduating from its Medical School in 1946.
After internships at St Joseph’s Hospital Auburn
Auburn, New South Wales
Auburn is a suburb in western Sydney, in the state of New South Wales Australia. Auburn is located 19 kilometres west of the Sydney central business district and is the administrative centre of the local government area of Auburn Council.-History:...
, and St George Hospital Kogarah, she became a resident in obstetrics at Crown Street Women's Hospital. In 1950 she married Dr Reginald Hamlin, medical superintendent at Crown Street and in 1959 the couple accepted a contract with the Ethiopian Government to set up a midwifery school in Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa is the capital city of Ethiopia...
. Hamlin's son, Richard, lives in the UK with his wife Diana and their four children.
Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital
In 1958 the Hamlins answered an advertisement in the Lancet Medical JournalThe Lancet
The Lancet is a weekly peer-reviewed general medical journal. It is one of the world's best known, oldest, and most respected general medical journals...
for an obstetrician and gynaecologist to establish a Midwifery School at the Princess Tsehay Hospital in Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa is the capital city of Ethiopia...
. They arrived in 1959 on a three-year contract with the Ethiopian Government but only about 10 midwives had been trained before the Government closed the midwifery school. The Hamlins had never seen an obstetric fistula
Obstetric fistula
Obstetric fistula is a severe medical condition in which a fistula develops between either the rectum and vagina or between the bladder and vagina after severe or failed childbirth, when adequate medical care is not available.-Symptoms and signs:The resulting disorders typically include...
before – they were an "academic rarity" having been virtually eradicated in the United States in 1895. (The first fistula hospital closed its doors in New York City in 1925.) Seeing many cases arrive at the school, they decided to create a dedicated hospital. Fifteen years later, they founded Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital.
Catherine Hamlin lives in her cottage on the grounds of the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital as she has done for over thirty-five years. At the age of 87 she still remains very active in the work of the Hospital and operates every Thursday morning. Richard Hamlin is actively involved in the activities of the Hospital and sits on its Board of Trustees.
Recognition
Dr. Hamlin has been awarded honorary fellowships in the medical associations of AustraliaAustralia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
and the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. On 26 January 1983, she was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia
Order of Australia
The Order of Australia is an order of chivalry established on 14 February 1975 by Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia, "for the purpose of according recognition to Australian citizens and other persons for achievement or for meritorious service"...
for her services to gynaecology
Gynaecology
Gynaecology or gynecology is the medical practice dealing with the health of the female reproductive system . Literally, outside medicine, it means "the science of women"...
in developing countries and on 26 January 1995, Dr. Hamlin was awarded Australia's highest honour, being promoted to the grade of Companion of the Order of Australia
Order of Australia
The Order of Australia is an order of chivalry established on 14 February 1975 by Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia, "for the purpose of according recognition to Australian citizens and other persons for achievement or for meritorious service"...
. On 1 January 2001, she was awarded the Centenary Medal
Centenary Medal
The Centenary Medal is an award created by the Australian Government in 2001. It was established to commemorate the Centenary of Federation of Australia and to honour people who have made a contribution to Australian society or government...
for "long and outstanding service to international development in Africa". She is the author of the best-selling book The Hospital by the River: a story of hope. She has been described as a modern day "Mother Teresa" in an editorial by Pulitzer Prize winning writer Nicholas Kristof of the New York Times. Dr. Hamlin appeared on the Oprah Winfrey television show in January 2004 and the episode was included in Ms. Winfrey's 20-year anthology collection. Ms. Winfrey travelled to the hospital and filmed another episode for her show, broadcast in December 2005. The 2007 documentary, "A Walk to Beautiful
A Walk to Beautiful
A Walk to Beautiful is a 2007 American documentary film produced and distributed by Engel Entertainment, directed by Mary Olive Smith and field director Amy Bucher about women who suffer from childbirth injuries in Ethiopia. In 2007, the film premiered in film festivals and was chosen for the...
" featured five Ethiopian women who were treated and cured by Dr. Hamlin and her team at the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital In 2009 she was awarded the Right Livelihood Award
Right Livelihood Award
The Right Livelihood Award, also referred to as the "Alternative Nobel Prize", is a prestigious international award to honour those "working on practical and exemplary solutions to the most urgent challenges facing the world today". The prize was established in 1980 by Jakob von Uexkull, and is...
, also called the "Alternate Nobel Prize".
Dr Hamlin was among 50 prominent Australians invited by the Governor-General of Australia
Governor-General of Australia
The Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia is the representative in Australia at federal/national level of the Australian monarch . He or she exercises the supreme executive power of the Commonwealth...
, Quentin Bryce
Quentin Bryce
Quentin Bryce, AC, CVO is the 25th and current Governor-General of Australia and former Governor of Queensland....
, to take lunch with Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh is the husband of Elizabeth II. He is the United Kingdom's longest-serving consort and the oldest serving spouse of a reigning British monarch....
at Government House, Canberra
Government House, Canberra
Government House, Canberra, commonly known as Yarralumla, is the official residence of the Governor-General of Australia. It is located in the suburb of Yarralumla, in the City of Canberra, in the Australian Capital Territory....
on 23 October 2011.
Awards
Both Dr Hamlin and her hospital are the recipients of numerous awards. Known for her dedication and humility, Dr Hamlin says of the plaudits she has received "I'm doing what I love doing and it's not a hardship for me to be working in Ethiopia with these women".Catherine Hamlin
1971 Haile Selassie Humanitarian Prize1984 ANZAC Peace Prize
1987 Gold Medal of Merit, Order of St. Gregory the Great
Order of St. Gregory the Great
The Pontifical Equestrian Order of St. Gregory the Great , was established on September 1, 1831, by Pope Gregory XVI, seven months after his election.It is one of the five orders of knighthood of the Holy See...
1989 Honorary Gold Medal, Royal College of Surgeons
Royal College of Surgeons of England
The Royal College of Surgeons of England is an independent professional body and registered charity committed to promoting and advancing the highest standards of surgical care for patients, regulating surgery, including dentistry, in England and Wales...
1995 Companion of the Order of Australia
Order of Australia
The Order of Australia is an order of chivalry established on 14 February 1975 by Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia, "for the purpose of according recognition to Australian citizens and other persons for achievement or for meritorious service"...
1998 Rotary Award for World Understanding and Peace, Rotary International
1999 Nominee, Nobel Peace Prize
Nobel Peace Prize
The Nobel Peace Prize is one of the five Nobel Prizes bequeathed by the Swedish industrialist and inventor Alfred Nobel.-Background:According to Nobel's will, the Peace Prize shall be awarded to the person who...
2000 Centenary Medal
Centenary Medal
The Centenary Medal is an award created by the Australian Government in 2001. It was established to commemorate the Centenary of Federation of Australia and to honour people who have made a contribution to Australian society or government...
, The Order of Australia Association
2003 Honorary Fellow, American College of Surgeons
American College of Surgeons
The American College of Surgeons is an educational association of surgeons created in 1913 to improve the quality of care for the surgical patient by setting high standards for surgical education and practice.-Membership:...
2004 National Living Treasure of Australia
Australian Living Treasures
Australian Living Treasures are people who have been nominated by the National Trust of Australia. The first list of 100 Living Treasures was published in 1997....
, National Trust of Australia
National Trust of Australia
The Australian Council of National Trusts is the peak body for community-based, non-government organisations committed to promoting and conserving Australia's indigenous, natural and historic heritage....
2004 Best Practices in Global Health, Global Health Council
Global Health Council
The Global Health Council is a United States-based non-profit networking organizing linking "several hundred health non-governmental organizations around the world to share knowledge and resources, build partnerships and together become stronger advocates for health"...
2005 Honorary Fellow, Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh is an organisation dedicated to the pursuit of excellence and advancement in surgical practice, through its interest in education, training and examinations, its liaison with external medical bodies and representation of the modern surgical workforce...
2005 Doctor of Medicine Honoris causa, University of Sydney
University of Sydney
The University of Sydney is a public university located in Sydney, New South Wales. The main campus spreads across the suburbs of Camperdown and Darlington on the southwestern outskirts of the Sydney CBD. Founded in 1850, it is the oldest university in Australia and Oceania...
2006 Doctorate of Law, Honoris causa, University of Dundee
University of Dundee
The University of Dundee is a university based in the city and Royal burgh of Dundee on eastern coast of the central Lowlands of Scotland and with a small number of institutions elsewhere....
2006 Honorary Fellow of the Australian College of Educators
Australian College of Educators
The Australian College of Educators is the principal organisation representing the field of teaching and education in Australia, and acts as the independent interest body for Australian teachers...
2009 Gold Medal, World Association for Sexual Health
2009 Right Livelihood Award
Right Livelihood Award
The Right Livelihood Award, also referred to as the "Alternative Nobel Prize", is a prestigious international award to honour those "working on practical and exemplary solutions to the most urgent challenges facing the world today". The prize was established in 1980 by Jakob von Uexkull, and is...
, Stockholm, Sweden
2010 Honorary Doctorate, Addis Ababa University
Addis Ababa University
Addis Ababa University is a university in Ethiopia. It was originally named "University College of Addis Ababa" at its founding, then renamed for the former Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie I in 1962, receiving its current name in 1975.Although the university has six of its seven campuses within...
, Ethiopia
2010 Lifetime Achievement Award, "People to People", Ethiopia
2010 Achievement Award, (International Women's Day), President of Ethiopia
Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital
2004 United Nations Population Award – United Nations Population FundUnited Nations Population Fund
The United Nations Population Fund is a UN organization. The work of the UNFPA involves promotion of the right of every woman, man and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity. This is done through major national and demographic surveys and with population censuses...
2004 Dr Nathan Davis Award for Outstanding Global Health Initiative, American Medical Association
American Medical Association
The American Medical Association , founded in 1847 and incorporated in 1897, is the largest association of medical doctors and medical students in the United States.-Scope and operations:...
2007 The Best Humanitarian and Social Service in Ethiopia – President of Ethiopia His Excellency Ato Girma Wolde-Giorgis
Girma Wolde-Giorgis
Girma Wolde-Giorgis is the current President of Ethiopia.- Political career :He was elected President on 8 October 2001, as a relative unknown and a surprise choice, by a unanimous vote of the Ethiopian Parliament. The Ethiopian presidency is largely a symbolic office with little power...
External links
- Hamlinfistula.org - Official website of the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital
- The Fistula Foundation - Obstetric Fistulas The Fistula Foundation is the only U.S. organization dedicated exclusively to supporting Hamlin Fistula Hospitals
- The Hospital by the River book
- Hamlin Fistula Trust and Aid Fund
- Appearance on Oprah
- Oprah video
- HamlinFistulaUSA