Wishing McLaws a refuah shlemah

International COVID-19 authority Professor Mary-Louise McLaws has stepped down as president of Australian Friends of Rambam (AUSFORAM) after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

The esteemed epidemiologist, an expert in infectious disease control, joined the board of the organisation last year, expressing her wish to “assist Rambam by bring awareness of its innovative achievements to a wider community outside of Israel”.

She added, “To do this I hope to support the work of AUSFORAM, of our Jewish communities, and build broader awareness and support of Rambam nationally and globally.”

McLaws has also taken leave from her positions at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and the World Health Organisation, where she is an adviser for health emergencies, and has played a key role in the prevention and control response to the pandemic.

“The board of the Australian Friends of Rambam and Rambam Health Care Campus wish Mary-Louise a refuah shlemah from her illness on behalf of all our members and friends,” the board said.