Professor Kate Leslie has demonstrated distinguished professional achievement in research, education and governance in anaesthesia and the wider specialist medical community. She is recognised by her peers for her research in the areas of awareness during anaesthesia and large perioperative trials. She is also recognised for her leadership as a former president of the Australian and New College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) and chair of the Committee of Presidents of Medical Colleges. Her contribution has recently been recognised with the Australian Medical Association Woman in Medicine Award 2014 and the ANZCA Orton Medal – the highest honour bestowed by the college.