Academic career
Skeen qualified in medicine at the University of Auckland, [1] and specialised in paediatric oncology from 1979. [2] She was appointed to a position as paediatric oncologist in 1981, and retired in 2022. [1]
Skeen was the health professional representative on the Child Cancer Foundation Board for 33 years. [1] [3] During her career, child cancer survival rates increased such that research was needed into late effects of child cancer treatment. [4] Skeen was also involved in the establishment of child palliative care as a discipline, and taught in a teaching programme to improve paediatric palliative care. [5] [6] [1]
Skeen was Chair of the National Child Cancer Network Pacific Child Cancer working group, which was established in 2007 to try to address poor survival rates for child cancer in the region due to treatment availability. [2] Skeen led annual visits of a team from Starship Hospital to Tonga, Samoa and Vanuatu. [2] [7] [8]
Honours and awards
In the 2023 New Year Honours, Skeen was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to children with cancer. [2]
In 2001 Skeen was awarded an Honorary Life Membership for the Child Cancer Foundation. [1]
Skeen was awarded life membership of the Australia and New Zealand Children's Haematology and Oncology Group, for providing "exceptional oncology care" and for her "pioneering role in the development and achievements of the Pacific Working Group". [9]
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