Tributes have been paid to South Australian paediatric rheumatologist Dr Christina Boros, who died of cancer on 31 May.
Dr Boros was Head of Paediatric Rheumatology at Adelaide’s Women’s and Children’s Hospital, a clinical academic at the University of Adelaide and “single-handedly provided a state-wide clinical service for over a decade”, her friend and colleague, Dr Davinder Singh-Grewal, wrote in the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases.
“Christina will be remembered for her tireless advocacy for her patients and for the South Australian pediatric rheumatology service as a whole. She was an excellent clinician who demanded the best for her patients, from both herself and others. This dedication was impressive and awe-inspiring to us all. She showed a great passion for teaching and research and was well respected in national and international circles,” he said.
The much-loved practitioner was a bright light at international meetings, with wonderful stories, Associate Professors Jane Munro and Marinka Twilt tweeted.
Remembering with love our friend & paediatric rheumatology colleague Dr Christina Boros who passed away yesterday after a serious medical illness from last year. Christina single handedly ran the service in Adelaide for over a decade & was the Chair of APRG & much loved @AusRheum pic.twitter.com/9f5JzqxATN
— Jane Munro (@DrJaneMunro) June 1, 2021
“Dr Boros was my paed rheum in Adelaide and kept me well when I was very ill. She always shared her wisdom, stories of overseas travel, and a few laughs along the way,” @aiden_bres shared.
Choosing medicine over a music career, the almost-professional harpist completed her fellowship at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada and later, served as Australian Paediatric Rheumatology Group Chair and the paediatric representative on the Advanced Training Committee — her success unhindered by her battle with acute lymphocytic leukaemia as a young medical student.
“Such was Christina’s dedication to her research that she even completed manuscripts for publication in the days just before her death,” Dr Singh-Grewal said.
The skilled swimmer and artisanal glass blower hoped to retire in a studio one day and teach her art to others.
“Paediatric rheumatology is a small community in Australia and New Zealand and we will all miss Christina, with her mirth and intelligence which was taken from us prematurely,” Dr Singh-Grewal concluded.