Abstract
It is with great sadness that we inform you of the recent passing of our friend and colleague, Claire McLintock on 23 December 2022.
Claire will forever be remembered for her amazing and accomplished career as a leader in Obstetric Medicine and Haematology (particularly in the field of thrombosis and haemostasis), and a fearless champion in Women's Health.
Claire started her medical training at the University of Edinburgh where she discovered her passion for Haematology and Obstetrics. Claire moved to New Zealand in 1990 in search of a better work-life balance. On completion of her Haematology advanced training, Claire had a chance meeting with Professor Robyn North who would later become her mentor. The pair collaborated to write an article on thrombophilia as an adverse pregnancy outcome; the article that would be Claire's first big publication and the launching pad of her illustrious career in Obstetric Haematology and Obstetric Medicine.
Claire was the past-President of the Society of Obstetric Medicine of Australia and New Zealand (SOMANZ) from 2008 to 2010 and Claire was also immediate past-President of the International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) from 2018 to 2020. She was the first New Zealander to serve on ISTH Council, and to be President. Together with her Council, Claire developed the diversity, equity and inclusion taskforce for the ISTH and developed their international training curriculum. Claire was a true visionary; in 2015, with the help from colleagues, she put together the (infamous) World Thrombosis Day Flash Mob at Auckland City Hospital to raise global awareness on venous thromboembolism.
Claire also served as Clinical Director for Regional Maternity Services for National Women's Health from 2015 to 2017, and as Clinical Lead for Obstetric Medicine before that. Claire helped to establish the Obstetric Medicine Fellowship Program at Auckland City Hospital in 2016, a program that is now world-renowned for its excellent training, and has introduced us to many wonderful and talented international physician colleagues from Australia and Canada. Claire always saw her role on the international stage as one of networking and building international collegial relations; it was her way of showcasing us and our achievements to the world.
Claire believed in always looking for the answers, and where there is none, to conduct your own research. This led to an active career in clinical research. Claire was the forefront of the New Zealand branch of the Australasian Maternity Outcomes Surveillance System (AMOSS) looking at severe maternal morbidity in complications. Claire was always proud of the work we do, and was a firm believer that we have a lot to teach the world, in particular around how to manage pregnancies complicated by mechanical heart valves. Claire has published numerous peer-reviewed articles, co-wrote many international guidelines and book chapters in her specialty.
In 2019, Claire was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit for Services to Obstetrics and Haematology in the Queen's Birthday Honors.
Claire was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003. We were all sad to hear that Claire discovered metastases in 2017. She took time out of work to start cancer treatment. In a show of absolute determination and fearlessness, Claire returned to work from the end of 2017 to 2020 whilst undergoing cancer treatment. She never once complained about side effects or dwelled in her own struggles, but was always there to comfort those who needed comforting. It took a pandemic to stop Claire from coming to work in person.
Claire was an exceptional clinician, and was always focused on doing the best she could for her patients and their families. She was never afraid to challenge the opinion of others, and to “change the narrative” for her patients so that they were provided with all the information to make an informed choice, whatever that choice might be. Claire had a way of making everything easily understandable. Claire believed in fostering strong ties with many specialties throughout the hospital to ensure the best minds are looking after our most complex patients.
Claire saw her role as a mentor and support for the next generation of specialists. She brought out the best qualities in people, and taught them to believe in themselves and in their abilities. We will miss her sharing of knowledge, her kindness, her wicked sense of humour and that daily dose (or two) of piccolo.
Claire was the ultimate friend, colleague and comrade – a true legend. In October, Claire was the keynote speaker at the 2022 SOMANZ Annual Scientific Meeting and gave an inspired final presentation of her life's work on the search for the best anticoagulation in pregnancy with mechanical heart valves.
We will miss Claire very much and send our love to her family, especially to husband John, daughters Hart and Vita, and son-in-law Anthony. Claire has touched so many lives, and will forever leave a big hole in our hearts.
“Don’t delay fun” – Claire McLintock
