With a chronic kidney disease, Kylie King is used to hospitals but her most recent stay was one she was more than happy to undertake.
She gave birth to daughter Addie just 11 days ago in Sydney’s Westmead Hospital.
"I never thought in a million years, I could be a mum," she said. "It’s one of my dreams come true."
Kylie had a kidney transplant at the same hospital three years ago.
It was there she met Dr Jeremy Chapman, who, as a renal physician, looks after patients and monitors their kidney function after transplants.
Dr Chapman was recently named the world’s leading expert in kidney transplantation, according to expert ranking index Expertscape.
The index analyses and ranks professionals based on medical literature.
The British-born professor said Australia’s medical industry and his team at Westmead Hospital helped him to achieve international recognition in his field.
"I’m surprised by [being] number one; are we surprised by the top ten? No," he said.
"It’s just a reaffirmation that Australia’s got the world’s best medicine."
Kylie’s health issues didn’t end after her transplant.
Her kidneys needed constant monitoring. There was six weeks' worth of bed rest during pregnancy, and she’ll be on medication for the rest of her life.
"Having a transplant is not as simple as people think," she said.
But she’s delighted with the care she’s received, and even more delighted with the arrival of Addie, who was delivered six weeks early.
"He’s just been fantastic," she said of Dr Chapman. "We’re very lucky in Australia to have the best care."
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