Prof Yates, Head of Orthopaedics, accepted the award at the Hospital’s Doctors’ Christmas Celebration last night.

Described by colleagues as the “ultimate professional, who is laser sighted on patient outcomes,” Prof Yates is highly respected by St John of God Murdoch Hospital and the wider medical community for his leadership in orthopaedics research, implant and instrument design and for his generous contribution to the education of the next wave of orthopaedic surgeons.

In announcing the award, St John of God Murdoch Hospital CEO, Ben Edwards commended Prof Yates for his leadership of the Hospital’s Orthopaedics unit and shared remarks from Hospital colleagues, “Piers has a great capacity to learn and continually strives to improve, never putting things in the ‘too hard basket’. He is the problem solver. The one who gets people out of tricky situations. He has great courage, but is not reckless – and dares to push the boundaries.”

“He is devoted, committed, loyal, caring and a perfectionist.”

Away from the Operating Theatre, Prof Yates is an award-winning artist. His sculptures, made using surgical instruments, adorn multiple walls in the Hospital.

Prof Yates gifted an ‘orthopaedic tree’ to St Francis ward made of scissors collected on the ward. A crucifix, made using discarded theatre instruments and equipment, hangs proudly outside the Hospital’s Chapel.

Congratulations to our 2022 Doctor of the Year, Prof Piers Yates.