CHIRON Melbourne Medical School | twenty ten

Making doctors since 1862 chiron Contents twenty10

Contents

Turning Points Alumni Stories 01 From the head of the Melbourne Medical School 18 Fifty years of the BMedSc and letters from abroad

Speculum Medical Memories 02 A retrospective look at the Medical Student magazine 24 Celebrating 150 years of medical heritage

Syd Rubbo Reunions 06 Exploring the life of a charismatic and unconventional man 28 Reports from MBBS class reunions

Melbourne Medical School Obituaries 08 Appointments, Departures, News & Events 30 Tributes and memories

The new MD In Brief 11 The place of research in our medical course 34 Congratulations, student prizes & awards, books

From the Students The Physick Gardener 12 Student experiences around the globe 37 Aspects of the Apothecary’s World

Focus on Student Prizes 17 Melbourne Medical School scholarships and prizes

Front: Melbourne University Medical Graduates 1949. This is one of a The editor would like to thank ISSN 0814-3978 number of photographs of medical students and graduates held in the Darren Rath for designing Medical History Museum. this issue, John Bedovian © THE UNIVERSITY OF for his production assistance MELBOURNE 2010 If you have photographs or other memorabilia of your year you believe and Cara Schultz for her would interest the museum please contact the curator, Susie Shears on editorial assistance. T: (+61 3) 8344 9935 or E: [email protected] T: (61 3) 8344 5888 Chiron is published by the Melbourne Medical School. Contributions E: [email protected] from staff, students and alumni are welcome. Enquiries and correspondence should be sent to the editor, Liz A Brentnall, Designed by Darren Rath® Advancement and Communications Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, 4th Floor, 766 Elizabeth Street, The University of Melbourne, 3010, Australia. Turning Points

Several themes are woven through this a guiding principle: ‘Our medical student year’s edition of Chiron: our wonderful must… be trained to be able to practise as heritage, inspiring teachers, our fundamental an applied scientist; and for this training commitment to research and our international to be effective it must be conducted in an engagement. I must start with our history atmosphere permeated by the research spirit.’ as we count down to the 150th anniversary The value of a significant research experience of the Melbourne Medical School in 2012 prior to medical graduation is evident in the and finalise selection for the first intake reminiscences from Anne Shanahan, David of graduate students into our new MD Vaux and Jenny Dowd who have each taken medical course. remarkably successful but very different career paths. Both Ross L Jones and Anna Harris write about what there is to discover of our history Teaching medical students depends heavily in two wonderful resources, Speculum, which upon the shared commitment and excellent recorded the thoughts of generations of relations we enjoy with our partner hospitals medical students, and the Medical History and research institutes. The longevity of two Museum, where Susie Shears’ superb such relationships was recognised when exhibition, The Physick Gardener, will soon we celebrated the 100th anniversary of the close. Although in dire need of refurbishment, St Vincent’s Hospital Clinical School and the museum holds much of the history of the 50th anniversary of the Department of medicine in Victoria. As one of the oldest and Paediatrics at the Royal Children’s Hospital. most successful medical schools in the world We are also building new partnerships and we need to support the documentation of our strengthening current relationships: with history so that our heritage can be properly Western Health and Victoria University Bone Biology, following the death of his friend celebrated. It is also worth noting that Med through a separate clinical school and a new and colleague Greg Mundy, an alumnus who Medleys celebrated its 90th anniversary this building for teaching, training and research spent 35 years of his illustrious research career year. Surely we have a history to be treasured. at Sunshine Hospital; and with Northern in the USA. Health and LaTrobe University at Northern How often do we hear that an inspiring Hospital in Epping. These arrangements, In the 148 years of the Melbourne Medical teacher changed a career path? Sydney led by Steve Trumble from our Medical School, many outstanding alumni have Dattilo Rubbo, ‘Ding’ Dyson and Bill Boyle Education Unit and Jane Gunn, head of our made exceptional contributions to all aspects are often mentioned in this category. While Department of General Practice, are opening of medicine. As usual, a few are recorded Ann Westmore and Helen Billman-Jacobe up exciting opportunities to work with in the obituary section of this issue. As are writing a biography of the legendary Syd local GPs to provide community oriented alumni, we are proud of our association Rubbo, I can vouch from personal experience medical education. with the University and its Medical School that David Penington was also an inspiring and look forward particularly to celebrating teacher. In his recently released autobiography International engagement is essential for any its achievements in 2012. We are changing Making Waves, he relates the priority he gave medical school of global distinction. While the name of our alumni association from to medical student teaching in his career. That our students and recent graduates gain a ‘University of Melbourne Medical Society’ to great teachers with passion and commitment global perspective on the practice of medicine ‘University of Melbourne Medical Alumni are the essence of our medical school, was through experiences abroad, many of our Society’ to reflect more clearly the function clearly evident during the Australian Medical alumni are involved in academic medicine of the group. I want to emphasise that past Council’s review of our new graduate entry throughout the world. Visiting Vanderbilt and present academic staff of the Medical MD curriculum. Geoff McColl’s leadership University in Nashville, Tennessee as part School remain eligible and most welcome in this area has been exemplary, just what we of a University of Melbourne delegation in to membership. would expect from a Melbourne alumnus! September, I met with Jack Martin and Denis O’Day, both of whom feature in the report As the year winds up I hope you are all able to Writing about the new MD, Geoff emphasises of the class of 1960 reunion. Vanderbilt has enjoy a restful period away from work, in the our goal of providing all our medical students recently named a Chair in Ophthalmology company of family and friends. with a meaningful research experience: to in honour of Denis, recognising his many our knowledge the most ambitious program years of leadership in ophthalmology at the James Best, MBBS 1972, MD 1989 for any medical school in the world. We take university. Jack has spent several months there Head, Melbourne Medical School the urging of our alumnus John Eccles as this year guiding the Vanderbilt Center in 1 chiron Feature article twenty10

Speculum

By Ross L Jones

‘In making our introductory salaam before the public, we beg to congratulate the Melbourne Medical School on the first issue of its journal.’ So read the opening line of the first editorial of Speculum in July 1884.

Speculum proved to be remarkably resilient even though, when a centenarian, the magazine was renovated with a succession of name changes (for example Gubernaculum from 1986-9). Did the founders of the Medical Students’ Society (MSS) magazine foresee its almost continuous publication for over a century? On only a handful of occasions have either financial crashes, censorship or a lack of contributions from the student body stopped the presses, giving us a remarkable insight into student and faculty life over most of the life of the medical school.

After two decades of stagnation after its foundation, the medical school began to flourish in the 1880s, certainly enough to support a student’s magazine, and Speculum was the efflorescence of this growth. As the maiden editorial in 1884 chimed, ‘In the whole University are some 390 students on the roll; of these 190, or nearly one half, are medicals.’ The foundation of Speculum was contemporaneous with the first publications of student magazines at major northern hemisphere universities such as Harvard, Yale and Princeton—although Speculum seems to be the only publication that was exclusively medical.

Concomitantly, Speculum also began its long career as a forum for the complaints of the student body. In reality, it was often the main vent through which student dissatisfaction exploded. For example, in 1885 the editors began what was to be a long-running assault on the competence of the board of the Melbourne Hospital as well as the University Council. This culminated in 1886 when the committee of the Medical Students’ Society was granted an interview with the Premier of Victoria in order to demand a greater share of university income on the basis that they made up half the number of students,

2 The Medical School was roundly castigated, in the article entitled ‘The Fifth Year Fiasco’, for failing the whole of the final year

This cartoon, which appeared in Speculum in May 1933 was the work of John Parry who was then in his second year of the medical course. When Parry entered medicine he already had a diploma of architecture and had been working with an architectural firm for a couple of years. He graduated MBBS in 1937 but his medical career and life were cut short by his early death in 1940, from progressive muscular atrophy.

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A classic skeleton cover by an unknown artist from the early 1930s This cover dates from 1980, one of the latest issues of Speculum.

This eerie image of the old Medical School building was published to celebrate our Humorous cartoons, a hallmark of Speculum’s editorial policy, display the humour 100th anniversary in 1962. of the day. This dates from the August 1943 issue.

4 Theatre Night, [was] famous for the quantities of ginger-ale consumed by the “gods”

and yet received less than one-ninth of the for example, the introduction of asepsis into Speculum Copyright… government grant. In the same volume of the operating theatres. As such, we read in Calling All Authors Speculum, in the first of a number of ongoing, Speculum in 1892 that during an operation if irregular, complaints, the medical school on a larynx at the Melbourne Hospital by A part of the commemorative activities was roundly castigated, in the article entitled the famous colonial surgeon Sir Thomas focusing on the 150th anniversary of the ‘The Fifth Year Fiasco’, for failing the whole of Fitzgerald there were ‘forty onlookers Melbourne Medical School the Faculty the final year. The magazine blamed not the present … two sisters and a Homeopath is underwriting a project to make digital incompetence of the students but rather the amongst them’, but, by 1897, the editorial was copies of significant collections of relevant ‘ambiguity and indefiniteness of the majority’ commenting that it was ‘dreadful to think’ publications held by the University. In addition of the questions in the final examinations! how recently ‘septic diseases were still rife to contributing to the security of these in our hospitals’. As a consequence of the collections this will also enable improved Speculum also provides a window into the Listerian revolution, the magazine enthused, access to the publications for researchers and, private life of those early medical students, ‘now-a-days, one death in 0, one in 40, one in hopefully, general access on the University’s including the living environments of the many 50 is too many'. website. Publications in this program include students who boarded in the Victorian terrace the Australian Medical Journal, published by houses in Parkville. By 1925, Speculum was Speculum also charted the medical school’s the Victorian Medical Society and the medical complaining about ‘those ugly mid-Victorian response to developments in medicine student’s magazine, Speculum. houses, those tiny back yards, those stained through reforms in the curriculum—though ceilings, the mud-coloured wallpapers, with not always in complimentary tones. Indeed, Since Speculum was published by students white bows and baskets of puce roses, the it heralded the arrival of germ theory with a and not the University, copyright for material woodwork painted an irrelevant green… [and] distinct warning: in issues dating from 1900 still resides with the dining rooms have red wall-paper, and the authors. All reasonable efforts have been are decorated with jardinières of that drearily You, Professors devoted to science, made to identify and contact the creators of the respectable vegetable, the aspidistra.’ And prone to be ever in front, images used on the Speculum covers and in the Who, with such a rare self-reliance, cartoons. If you edited or wrote for Speculum Similarly, the varied recreational life of the Continue for microbes to hunt— during your time as a Melbourne medical medical students is captured in its pages. On … student, we would be particularly grateful for the thirtieth anniversary of the foundation of your permission to publish your articles on the MSS Speculum reminisced that: We certainly think ‘twould be better, the University’s website. If you created any of If, ere you broke further ground, the published material or remember writing socially, its activities were legion. Of You first tried to foil and to fetter for Speculum and would be happy to grant us these possibly the palm was taken by our The germs you have already found.’ permission to republish on the web please annual procession, ending [at] the London contact the copyright office on (+61 3) 8344 Tavern. Wondrous and varied were the It is difficult to think of any comparable 6647 or at: [email protected] costumes displayed, and great were the institution with such a rich source of material preparations, but, more wonderful still, the with which to re-create its history and lorries on which they passed. Then came character. Speculum is a remarkable asset for Theatre Night, famous for the quantities of the Melbourne medical community. Surely ginger-ale consumed by the “gods;” Smoke the founders of the magazine have much to be Night, Hare and Hounds Dinner, Football proud of. match at the Epileptic Colony, and so on.... Lastly—I had almost forgotten—three Ross Jones is ARC Fellow, Department of copies of the “Speculum” per annum were History, University of Sydney and author thrown in.’ of Humanity’s Mirror: 150 Years of Anatomy in Melbourne. Significant breakthroughs in medical research as well as changes in clinical practice were also recorded in Speculum’s pages. It noted,

5 chiron Feature article twenty10

Syd Rubbo, the art of science and the science of art…

By Ann Westmore and Helen Billman-Jacobe

For many University of Melbourne medical, science and dental graduates from the 1930s to the late 1960s, the name Rubbo brings to mind enthusiasm, pizzazz and unconventionality.

When he joined the Melbourne Medical School as senior lecturer in bacteriology in 1937, aged 26, students and colleagues alike quickly recognised that Sydney Dattilo Rubbo did not ‘fit the mould’.

While he had the education and rounded vowels of many university teachers of his day, he was more open and charming, more enthusiastic and, by general acclaim, better looking than the norm. The Vice-Chancellor of the day, Raymond Priestley, referred to him as ‘a handsome fellow, very southern in appearance and interested in Art’, and the term ‘Rubbo’s girls’ entered university parlance, referring to the galaxy of attractive women closely associated with the bacteriology department, or ‘Bugs School’ as it was known.

If Rubbo was unconventional, he was also adaptable. Recognising he needed a medical degree to progress in the medical school, he studied part-time while still lecturing to fellow medical students. After completion of his degree, he succeeded Professor Harold Woodruff to the Chair in Bacteriology in 1945, Syd Rubbo, the well-loved head of the Bugs School bringing expertise in bacterial metabolism and biochemistry crucial to broadening practice could undertake epidemiological The friendly reputation of the Bugs School the department’s teaching, research and research. In response to Bridges-Webb’s helped persuade many top graduates and commercial activities. enthusiasm for this notion, Rubbo loaned scientists to add their input to the rich brew him a relevant text and urged him to make an of ideas and practices it cultivated, already During his lifetime (which ended suddenly appointment when they discussed the matter attracted by the notion of joining the largest in 1969 after a heart attack), he gained a further, thereby seeding a career-long interest and, arguably, the best post-war school of its reputation for working hard, smart and with a in epidemiological research. Other former type in Australia. When it came time for his light touch, inspiring generations of students students, such as Val Asche, were so enthused staff to expand their horizons, Rubbo played through his teaching, research and public by Rubbo’s passion for his science that they an active role, becoming ‘the choreographer’ health activities. One of many to speak fondly changed subjects after hearing him speak of many careers. The pleasure he derived from of his influence on their careers was Charles about his work. the appointment of his protégés to chairs in Bridges-Webb, Emeritus Professor of General the Universities of Adelaide, Queensland, Practice at the University of Sydney. As a Most agreed that he maintained a happy NSW, ANU and Monash, as well as in the fourth-year medical student in Melbourne in department, with evident camaraderie University of Melbourne, was palpable. the mid-1950s, he was introduced by Rubbo and much repartee between technicians, to the idea that a doctor working in a country administrative staff, students and academics.

6 Pictured here in Papua New Guinea, Rubbo collaborated on a TB vaccination program throughout the South Pacific

Dubbed ‘Mr Science’ by a major newspaper, materials and the psychology of aesthetics. He student, Elsa Russell. Others were impressed Rubbo was a salesman of science par also painted—portraits mainly, his speciality by his empathy for complete strangers excellence. In an era when microbiology was the depiction of character and old age— and those facing difficult personal issues. was providing a potent arsenal against and taught art at a number of private schools, Where some saw charity, he described a win- some persistent infectious disease threats, with some of the keenest students taking win practicality; he popularised the life sciences, vigorously further instruction at his studio. campaigning for compulsory pasteurisation of milk, collaborating in a TB vaccination program in the South Pacific, and embarking Antonio Dattilo-Rubbo’s signet ring on a state-wide polio vaccination awareness campaign. Within the university, he argued (which Syd Rubbo inherited) bore the vigorously for better facilities, and eventually motto, ‘Hard work conquers all’ oversaw the opening of a new microbiology building to house the School of Microbiology in 1965. With the likes of Professors R A talented painter in his own right—his works When I want a model I go out into the parks D Wright, Victor Trikojus and Sydney are held by many state and regional galleries, and look at the old men sitting in the sun. Sunderland, he helped build the University and by the National Gallery and Parliament When I see a likely face, I offer him a cigarette, of Melbourne’s reputation as a biomedical House, Canberra—the Señor taught that then I suggest that he should make a few powerhouse in the 1950s and ‘60s. artistic success relied on application as well shillings cleaning out the studio. Finally I get as inspiration. His signet ring (which Syd him to pose. On the international stage, he formed Rubbo inherited) bore the motto, ‘Hard work close collegial relationships with renowned conquers all’ and he encouraged students to Students attending life classes at his studio scientists including Dr Joshua Lederberg, a work harder than anyone else. He was forever understandably felt they gained insights into microbial geneticist who worked in Rubbo’s urging them to develop a philosophy of life, life as well as art. department the year before being awarded the as well as to acquire a sound knowledge of Nobel Prize in 1959. The pair collaborated on art theory and practice, and to explore the Father and son, like art and science, had biochemistry and genetics research for many approaches they found most interesting. an ambivalent relationship. Antonio visited years and worked for NASA on space-craft When a group of his students, including Melbourne rarely, blaming the cold. Syd, as a sterilisation procedures in order to ensure that Grace Cossington Smith, Roland Wakelin, young man, went out of his way to reject his outer-space missions did not inadvertently and Roy de Maistre embraced modernism, heritage, dropping Dattilo from his surname introduce organisms to the solar system, nor he was quick to back them. According to one and infuriating his father. Only after Antonio’s bring them back to earth. anecdote, he even offered to fight a duel on death in 1955 did Syd seek to understand his behalf of de Maistre when a Sydney gallery contribution to Australian art and embrace his Rubbo’s modus operandi undoubtedly owed refused to hang his work. Italian background. Later, just months before much to his scientific teachers and mentors. Syd himself died, he interviewed a number But an intriguing aspect of his back-story is If he was not making news himself, he of Antonio’s students, grasping at last the the extent to which his father, the charismatic was adept at promoting his discipline parallel worlds he and his father had occupied. Italian émigré artist and teacher, Antonio through the mass media, making the case Dattilo-Rubbo, may have provided a model for for art’s relevance in English and Italian Drs Ann Westmore and Helen Billman-Jacobe his multifarious activities. language newspapers and magazines. In are writing a biography of Syd Rubbo, with the grand scheme of things, art was about input from his family, friends and colleagues. ‘The Señor’, as his students referred to ‘immortalising our period’, communicating They welcome contact with anyone who might Antonio, migrated to Sydney from Italy to posterity life as it was lived. It also had a add information or perspective. Please email in 1897, aged 27, having studied art in psychological purpose with ‘feasts of colour’ [email protected] or hbj@unimelb. the academies of Naples and Rome and erasing the drab uniformity and monotony of edu.au qualified as an art teacher. He embraced the the cityscape. challenges of immigration and resettlement, The History of the University Unit and the opening an art school in central Sydney in The ambience of his art school, like that of Department of Microbiology and Immunology direct opposition to several well-established the Bugs School, was highly charged, a result are providing financial support for the project. competitors. There among the life models, of ‘the vital sparkle of his wit and personality charcoal, paints and easels, he taught about and highly explosive temperament, somewhat the science of perception, the technology of art peppery, yet always charming’, according to

7 chiron Melbourne Medical School twenty10

Appointments, Departures, News and Events

Cambridge in the UK, followed by a PhD at the University of Glasgow and specialty neurology training in the UK and Hong Kong.

His pioneering work in understanding the prognosis of epilepsy and exploring the mechanisms of pharmacoresistance have utilised research paradigms which have transformed clinical practice—ranging from the formulation of the first ever global consensus definition of refractory epilepsy to the application of personalised medicine.

Patrick’s research in pharmacogenomics led to the recommendation of genetic testing prior to starting first-line antiepileptic drugs by the US FDA and other national health regulators to reduce the chance of serious cutaneous skin reactions in patients of Asian ethnicity. He has played a pivotal role in translating and implementing the policy change across public hospitals in Hong Kong, and has led Mark Cook the development of a low-cost rapid diagnostic test to facilitate the application of these Professor Mark Cook has been in non-invasive assessment of surgical recommendations in routine clinical practice. appointed to the Chair of Medicine at candidates. More recently his interests have St Vincent’s Hospital. included experimental models of epilepsy and These translational research outcomes have seizure prediction. been achieved by the collaborative team that Mark specialises in the treatment of epilepsy he established, comprised of clinicians, basic and his previous role was also at St Vincent’s As Director of Neurology, Mark developed neuro-scientists, pharmacologists, genetic as Professor and Director of Neurology. The close collaborations with other specialties statisticians, a haematologist and biochemist, focus of much of his work has been epilepsy including neurosurgery, psychiatry and electronic engineers, research nurses and management, particularly imaging and neuropsychology. These collaborations have assistants, and supported by competitive surgical planning. fostered the development of successful public and industry research grants, including techniques including the provision of an R21 grant from the US NIH to conduct After completing specialist training at the interactive three-dimensional images for genetics research in China. His research University of Melbourne, he undertook an MD surgical teams through implanted cerebral strengths and collaborative networks will thesis while working as Brain Research Fellow electrodes and new methods of sedation and combine well with established research at Queen Square, London. He returned to St testing for awake stimulation of the brain programs relevant to epilepsy, neuroscience Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne to continue his during surgery. and personalised medicine at the University interest in neuroimaging in epilepsy. of Melbourne and affiliated institutes Patrick Kwan, newly appointed Chair and hospitals. Under his directorship, both the research of Neurology in the Department of and clinical components of the Neurology Medicine at the Royal Melbourne Department at St Vincent’s have been Hospital, comes to us from the Prince significantly enlarged. Currently one of the of Wales Hospital and the Chinese largest units in Australia for the surgical University of Hong Kong. treatment of epilepsy, this was a direct extension of the work he began in London, One of the leading international figures of the where he developed techniques for the emerging generation of clinical-translational accurate measurement of hippocampal neurological researchers, Patrick completed volumes, and established their position his basic medical training at the University of

8 Orthopaedic surgeon Richard de Steiger has been appointed to the Victor Smorgon Chair of Surgery at the Epworth Hospital.

Richard, the current Chairman of the Musculoskeletal Clinical Institute at Epworth, is well respected for his clinical research and teaching record in surgery. Completing his medical degree at Monash University, he went on to gain further qualifications and experience in the UK and is currently a senior lecturer in surgery at the University of Melbourne to sixth year undergraduate medical students.

Major research interests and specialities include joint replacement, the use of stem cells in orthopaedics, osteoarthritis and sport surgery, and he has recently received grants for studies into pain management, osteoarthritis, technology mediated learning and the impacts of total knee replacements. Richard de Steiger

His extensive experience in a variety of Housing teaching spaces, an auditorium, a surgical positions both in Australia and in lecture theatre and conference area, a library Europe, and his strong clinical expertise and and laboratory and office space for researchers, knowledge and advanced research skills, the research unit will combine medicine, recommend him as the new Professor of surgery, psychiatry, population health, Surgery, a joint position between Epworth paediatrics, nursing, allied health (including HealthCare and the University of Melbourne, physiotherapy) and women’s health. which is also aligned with the Department of Surgery at the Austin Hospital. Head of the University of Melbourne Department of Medicine (Sunshine and The University of Melbourne will Western Hospitals), Professor Peter Ebeling, establish a new clinical school at says that ‘in the next few years, any medical Western Health, Sunshine to provide student wishing to have a rewarding career in undergraduate and postgraduate research or most specialist medical areas will training of doctors as part of the new be able to do so at Sunshine.’ Teaching, Training and Research Centre. It is expected that when the project is Aimed at addressing a national shortage of completed in 2012, over 112 medical students doctors, particularly in metropolitan regions, will undertake clinical and formal medical the new facility will also accommodate training at the facility each year. The project researchers investigating diseases that is being jointly funded by the University particularly affect the population of of Melbourne, Victoria University and the Melbourne’s west, including diabetes, heart commonwealth and state governments. disease, cancer and osteoporosis.

9 chiron Melbourne Medical School twenty10

The clinical school at St Vincent’s at St Vincent’s, why not join the St Vincent’s shared with our campus partners, the Hospital celebrated its centenary this alumni? Catch up with former colleagues, Royal Children’s Hospital and the Murdoch year. Shauna Hurley reports on the enjoy engaging events and activities, or find Childrens Research Institute. commemorative events. out what’s afoot at the hospital. For more information or to join our community, contact The highlights of the day included a A memorable centenary dinner was held on Shauna Hurley, Alumni Coordinator, on 9288 wonderful perspective on global child health Friday, 19 March 2010 to celebrate the first 3238 or email [email protected] presented by Sir Gustav Nossal, a round 100 years of the University of Melbourne table discussion led by three of our previous St Vincent’s Clinical School. St Vincent’s department heads, Peter Phelan, Peter Smith alumni, staff and special guests gathered and Glenn Bowes and presentations from the at Melbourne’s RACV Club to reflect on the Dean, Professor James Angus and the CEO of school’s history, celebrate its achievements and the hospital, Professor Christine Kilpatrick. share a great evening together. There was also a fantastic demonstration of the past and present breadth and depth Dean of Medicine, Dentistry and Health of research, educational, and community Sciences, Professor James Angus and St engagement activities which have seen our Vincent’s CEO Patricia O’Rourke, raised toasts department become the most productive to the hospital and the university and Clinical academic department of paediatrics in Dean, Associate Professor Wilma Beswick, the country. responded with a toast to the clinical school, paying tribute to past and present students, SVH medical students in the Pathology Laboratory, The camaraderie on the day was wonderful graduates and clinicians. C1918. Photo courtesy SVH Archives. and it was fantastic to see everyone acknowledging the past achievements but so Former ABC broadcaster Elaine Canty proved The Department of Paediatrics focussed on our goals for the future. We hope a lively MC, and music by Australian tenor and celebrated its fiftieth anniversary the next 50 years are even more productive and composer, David Hobson, provided the perfect last year. Head of the Department of look forward to further celebrations when the backdrop to the festivities. Paediatrics, Paul Monagle tells us about department marks it centenary in 2059. the events which marked the occasion. To mark the centenary, a short film was Paul Monagle holds the Stevenson Chair of commissioned and launched at the dinner. The University of Melbourne’s paediatric Paediatrics and heads the Department of The First Hundred Years captured the heroes, department celebrated its 50th anniversary Paediatrics at the Royal Children’s Hospital. characters and many of the achievements in 2009. The occasion was marked with a of the teachers and students of St Vincent’s. day of academic presentations in November, Sir Hugh Devine, Sir John Eccles (Nobel Laureate), Sir Peter Morris and Jack Martin (Fellows of the Royal Society), Bernard O’Brien and Carl de Gruchy were just a few of the luminaries whose stories were shared by the leaders of today.

Professor James Best worked closely with St Vincent’s clinicians and St Vincent’s Foundation to produce this commemorative film, and Channel 9 Melbourne generously sponsored the filming and production. The DVD is now available for $25 and can be ordered online from the St Vincent’s Foundation website at www.stvfoundation. com.au or by calling 03 9288 3238.

The Centenary Series Symposia have also been a great feature of the centenary year celebrations. To date three symposia have been held, with a great response from our medical alumni, and the wider clinical and academic communities. If you are a graduate of St Vincent’s Clinical School or have worked Paul Monagle and Gus Nossal celebrate 50 years of the Department of Paediatrics.

10 The new MD

In 1993, I completed my training in The changes in medical practice i have rheumatology, a medical specialty that focuses on patients with joint disease. At that time seen in my 17 years … will be routine for the mainstay of treatment for patients with all future medical graduates. rheumatoid arthritis was methotrexate—an oral medication which aimed to improve patient symptoms such as pain, stiffness and joint swelling. In 2010, the management of the same patients aims for disease remission and the prevention of joint damage by combining agents and using a new class of drugs called the biologics which target specific pro-inflammatory cytokines.

This new paradigm of management has substantially improved the lives of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. So what has happened in the 17 years since I completed my rheumatology training? The answer is a targeted program of research that started with attempts to understand the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis and led to randomised controlled trials demonstrating the effectiveness of new drugs and combinations of drugs in patients with this potentially devastating disease.

Who were the researchers that provided Geoff McColl is Professor of Medical Education and Training in the Melbourne Medical School the opportunity for this dramatic change and Director of the Medical Education Unit in treatment? The answer is a team of basic scientists and doctors who were able to work 17 years as a rheumatologist will be routine for The new University of Melbourne medical effectively together to ‘translate’ the basic all future medical graduates and therefore they course, Melbourne MD, will build on our understanding of inflammatory processes into must develop and refine this ability to manage previous experience with medical student therapeutic agents that could be safely tested new knowledge from the beginning of their research in a new program taken by all in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. This clinical lives. students—the scholarly selective. defines a critical role for doctors who can, with the right training, both provide the perspective A component of this core skill is the The scholarly selective will begin in the on the patient’s disease and an understanding understanding and application of research third year of the four year MD program in of basic science and research methods to a methods. The Melbourne Medical School a yearlong subject in which the research process of solving health care problems. has long acknowledged the importance of question and methods will be developed by this process through the voluntary Bachelor the student with an experienced supervisor. If doctors are critical to this translational of Medical Science (BMedSc) in the 1960s to This will be followed by a fulltime semester research effort, then when should we provide the 1990s and the Advanced Medical Science in fourth year in which the research program training for them? Should this training start (AMS year) for undergraduate students in will be implemented, the data analysed and during their medical course? What type of the current MBBS program. The aim of these the results presented by the student. This training is most appropriate? programs was to provide a medical student new program will build on the strengths of with a meaningful opportunity to develop a the previous voluntary BMedSc and AMS The curriculum requirements for medical research question, apply research skills and programs with a new cohort of graduate training grow every year as does the quantum analyse and present the results of their study. students who will bring maturity and prior of discipline specific knowledge required for knowledge and skills to their project. medical practice. This has resulted in medical In this edition of Chiron a number of doctors schools carefully examining the skills required have reflected on their BMedSc year and how It is envisaged that this program will develop to maintain safe and effective practice in the it changed their thinking and sometimes their a new generation of doctors who will have a 21st century. At the core of these mandatory career direction. I also completed a BMedSc greater understanding of their critical role skills is an ability to critically evaluate and during my medical course and I am sure what in the generation and application of new apply new knowledge to clinical practice. The I learnt in that year has pervaded much of my knowledge to health care. changes in medical practice I have seen in my career from that time onwards.

11 chiron From the Students twenty10

From the Students

Medleys Reincarnated By Aaron Wagen

Incarnated once again for its ninetieth birthday, ‘The Dalai wears Llama’ marked the triumphant return of Medleys, the Melbourne University Medicine Comedy Revue 2010. Continuing the format that has seen it through many successful decades, the near capacity audience was treated to evenings of original sketch comedy and a rollicking musical.

The content spanned absurdist farce slapstick and political satire. Gillard and Abbott made cameo appearances, as did a somewhat contemplative Finnish heavy metal band, two incorrigible Scottish women and a rather elusive six dollar pizza (the one from the ad). Amid the frenetic kaleidoscope of sketches the audience entered into the exasperating office-space of Bureaucracy: The Musical. Negotiating labyrinths of forms, a precarious tryst with Human Resources and an ageing Bureau of Complaints—all while the surrounding company parried blows with a Chinese takeover—the protagonist Albert was seen by nattering vultures to his fateful demise. Music drove the plot and delighted the audience, including a geriatric Big Spender and a suitably surreal staging of The Avalanches’ Frontier Psychiatrist.

Medleys is constructed and performed entirely by medical and pre-med students. Written over nine months, with weekly rehearsals and two camps, the cast of nineteen displayed as much ingenuity and skill in writing as they did talent on the stage. The production was superbly accompanied by a mighty nine piece band, as well as a full complement of home- grown crew.

It was an honour for everyone involved to continue the tradition of Medleys. Newbies come and veterans retire, the alumni grow like The advertising poster for the 2010 Medleys production of The Dalai Wears Llama a secret society, and every year the show and the laughs continue. 2011 awaits.

12 One of our Samoan hosts summarised the Samoan life as: ‘Sit, sit, sit. Eat, eat, eat. Fat, fat, fat. Finish!’

Only in Samoa country, exclaiming, as the locals do, ‘Only in By Katrina L Hannan Samoa!’ This is a saving grace for the tourism industry, the country’s main economic hope. Samoans have an uncanny ability to sleep Other industries have failed and the nation’s anywhere. Their flair for relaxation, enhanced dependence on foreign aid and money from by humidity and hefty meal portions, sees relatives abroad has been exacerbated by stairwells, table tops, ute trays and even piles the September 2009 tsunami and global of pineapples transformed into inviting places financial crisis. for a siesta. I was there three months after the tsunami As I was proudly told by many locals, ‘taking had ravaged the south coast. It was clear that it easy’ is central to their cultural identity. although the initial influx of international aid Stress is seen as a foreign affliction. For most had been overwhelming, distribution to the Samoans, much of the day is spent sedentary areas most in need had been sadly inefficient. or supine, chilling out and chowing down with Stunning white coasts fringed with palms the family. were still littered with rubble, decapitated houses, upturned boats and makeshift tarp It is not hard to imagine, then, how obesity homes. More insidious were the ongoing and diabetes have become endemic, with health consequences, both physical and traditional fry-up, carb-heavy barbeques being psychological, as I learned when I joined commonplace and exercise a novelty. One of a team performing respiratory screens on our Samoan hosts summarised the Samoan life children who had been caught in the surge. Samoans embrace the annual wet season sport of as: ‘Sit, sit, sit. Eat, eat, eat. Fat, fat, fat. Finish!’ pushing cars over flooded roads I will never forget that day: a mother grieving Nevertheless, Samoans’ fondness of family for a son who was swept away after rescuing time is a wonderful aspect of their culture. his baby sister from her cot; another re-living African Oasis Extended families interwoven into village and shaking her daughter down from a tree branch By James Carter church communities provide a tremendous with a lasso; another with her bright-eyed sense of belonging and commitment to one’s child on her lap, who had survived being ‘Can you help her, please, I think she’s having relatives. They also provide potential networks buried alive for twenty-four hours. a heart attack!’ for health promotion. During my six weeks in Samoa, I was welcomed into the local Other preventive health programs in Samoa My elective in Botswana had not yet begun community and invited to gatherings, such were still in their infancy. Poverty and a poor but already I was being thrown into the deep as church services and, of course, barbeques. community understanding of the importance end. Five hours out of Perth, seven hours from The pastor had already been contemplating the of primary and secondary prevention Johannesburg and flying at 30,000 feet, I had need to promote ‘being healthy spiritually and contributed to presentations I had seldom just been awoken by the desperate voices of physically’ and together we devised a church- encountered before. These included rheumatic flight attendants asking if there was a doctor based dance exercise program. heart disease and failure in teenagers, type onboard. With no one else owning up, I boldly 2 diabetes and myocardial infarctions in declared myself a medical student. Distressed The generous, jovial nature of Samoans leaves thirty and forty year olds, and enormous yet as she was, at that point, the flight attendant a strong impression. For instance, every wet to be excised breast carcinomas. Clearly, the would have taken the janitor from Scrubs. season parts of the islands become virtually implementation of further education and inaccessible for days due to flooded roads. screening programs is vital to the national It never ceases to amaze me how, in times To my surprise, rather than finding it an health prognosis. of crisis, the human mind can always be annoyance, locals regard the procession of relied upon to randomly generate completely cars trying to cross the swollen streams as a I would like to express my deepest gratitude maladaptive thoughts. Having just been fun spectator sport, with crowds gathering to to the St Vincent’s Pacific Health Fund for informed that a passenger was having a heart cheer and push from either bank. funding this placement. attack, my first such thought was, ‘Heart attack ... gee there’s an awful lot of water While underdeveloped infrastructure can Katrina Hannan won an Andrew Dent Student between us and the nearest hospital’. My be frustrating for tourists, most are left Scholarship from the St Vincent’s Pacific Health second such thought was, ‘We are still closer fondly reminiscing over the quirkiness of the Fund to fund her elective in Samoa. to Australia than South Africa, do I have the

13 chiron From the Students twenty10

My elective experience had begun and i had learned a valuable medical lesson: never rely on the preliminary diagnosis made by a distressed flight attendant.

the fatal consequences of which were all too apparent in the country’s major paediatric ward. Never shall I forget my first patient: the nine year old girl who had not been diagnosed with HIV, let alone treated for it, until she was brought to hospital with a respiratory rate of 85, only a few hours away from taking her last desperate gasp.

Nor shall I forget my most horrific case: the one year old in respiratory distress, great pain and near complete tetany. Dying soon after, she was the worst of many cases of traditional medicine gone wrong. Botswana offers a beautiful juxtaposition of the modern worker living alongside traditional villagers and farmers and for the most part, this provides a wonderful cultural mix. In regards to public health though, many people are still completely lacking education about preventive health and the dangers of traditional medicine.

Sunset in the magnificent Okavango Delta. While the tragedies were many, in every desert there is an oasis and at the paediatrics courage to demand that the captain ‘turn ‘Do something!’ department of Princess Marina Hospital, only around and put this kite on the ground, stat!’? a few miles to the east of the Kalahari, the So I pushed through a few well meaning oasis was a twelve year old boy named Thata. ‘Settle down,’ I thought, ‘this isn’t Scrubs and but mildly hysterical passengers and, upon Yet another AIDS patient, he was enduring his I’m not JD so start thinking sensibly. Heart sighting the patient, two things immediately second hospital admission with cryptococcal attack, what’s your management plan? Start struck me: ‘this patient is having a seizure’ meningitis and had already been on the ward with ABC. Airway, breathing, yeah, yeah, and ‘this patient is approximately 16 years old’. for a month prior to my arrival. Without much yeah, if this passenger is having a heart attack support from his immune system, antibiotic it’s the ‘C’ for circulation that’s going to bother Suddenly, in terms of my differential treatment was failing to kill the bug. Despite me the most. I don’t have the stamina to do diagnoses, Acute Mycocardial Infarction was his predicament, he always wore the most CPR for seven hours all the way to Jo’burg! now on a par with Lupus. Never before have irrepressible smile, even when having blood Maybe I can organise every passenger in an I been so pleased to see someone having a taken or a cannual re-sited. Shortly after my aisle seat to line up in an orderly fashion and seizure! Before long, she had come to and arrival, Thata was due for yet another lumbar each give two minutes of CPR. At the very there was little to be done other than to puncture to determine if the cryptococcus had least, the lucky bastards who scored seats prescribe conservative management in first been killed and I was afforded the opportunity in the emergency exit rows should help out, class for the remainder of the flight. My to perform it. Selfishly, I jumped at the chance they’re bound to be well rested!’ elective experience had begun and I had knowing that I would never get a better patient learned a valuable medical lesson: never on which to perform my first LP. Hmmm, it seemed that even when consciously rely on the preliminary diagnosis made by a taking control of my thought processes, some distressed flight attendant. With the doctor there to steady both Thata maladaptive ones were still creeping in. The and myself, I double and then triple checked reality, though, was obvious. If this patient Thankfully in this case, the result had been my site of insertion. I loved this kid and I was having a heart attack so far from hospital, a happy ending but all too frequently it was really didn’t want to add to his torment. I she was in trouble. Ringing in my ears though not like that once I was on the ground in the inserted the needle and amazingly, Thata were the words of Meredith Healy, the RMH paediatrics ward at Princess Marina Hospital did not scream nor cry. How tough was this clinical skills educator, who had provided in Gaborone, capital of Botswana. Botswana kid? I removed the stylet expecting to see us with clear and concise instruction of is a land in which infectious disease runs nothing, or worse still a whole lot of blood, what we should always do in an emergency: rampant, with HIV and TB leading the charge, but immediately, there it was: a few beautiful

14 drops of clear CSF, not a trace of blood. The doctors referred to it as a ‘champagne tap’ and I felt truly satisfied to have successfully negotiated this rite-of-passage. After cleaning up, I visited Thata at his bedside and sure enough, his big smile was there. From this day forth, I referred to him only as ‘Thata tough guy’.

One day later and the initial lab results deflated us all. ‘India ink positive’ read the report, suggesting that organisms were still growing. My heart sank. All Thata wanted was to get out of hospital to be at the first day of school but now it seemed he would have to stay indefinitely.

Two days later, though, and we were offered some hope as no cryptococcal culture had been grown from his CSF. With Thata’s complicated history however, we couldn’t conclude that the bug had been killed until ten days had passed without a culture being Providing care to hundreds of orphaned and neglected children, SOS Children’s Village is a shining example of grown. The count down began. By day nine, why Botswana is the nation that ‘the rest of Africa aspires to be’. James had the pleasure of visiting there once still no culture had grown. Surely it couldn’t a week. go wrong from here, could it? Day ten and the lab report arrived. My eyes fixed on two On and Beside the Examination Table: Perspectives as ‘doctor’ and patient in beautiful letters, ‘n.g.’ No growth. Without a the United States doubt, the most pleasing moment I have had By Andrew Jarzebowski in medicine. That was my tap and nothing had grown in it. Thata tough guy was going home Critics of the pre-Obama American health birthplace of many specialties it had been and he was going to be at school on day one, care system argue it is underpinned by ranked among the top hospitals in the US for just as he had wished. capitalist values, where the health outcomes almost 20 years. Arriving there confirmed it as of a patient may be largely determined a medical Mecca. The hospital covered almost Amidst the joy of Thata and the many by his financial ability to provide for his six blocks, the corridors were filled with world tragedies, my elective experience was care. This system, however, is pillared famous doctors and most departments had wonderfully fulfilling. by some of the world’s leading hospitals, their own research building. I got a sense that where an ethos of scrupulous clinical care here a patient could expect the best medical Upon arriving at Princess Marina, I had felt and commitment to research continues to attention money could buy. like a medical student. Upon leaving, I truly update medical textbooks around the globe. felt like a doctor in training. For my elective, I had the opportunity to I began my elective by donning a lab coat attend a prestigious American hospital. I and following a trail of surgeons through Re a la boha Botswana—thank you, Botswana. also became a patient there. While I am no the hospital. Outpatients was largely an authority to critique its merits and pitfalls, interstate and international affair. Patients my duality as both ‘doctor’ and patient within and families flew in from across America or the star-spangled hospital system provided from Venezuela, Israel and Egypt, for their me with a seldom-experienced perspective 15 minute appointments. All articulated the on what are, particularly in America, two reputation of the hospital and its doctors as dichotomous roles. ‘the best there is’. The cases were a fascinating mix of rare and unusual conditions. I was excited about working at the hospital. An institution steeped in history and the

15 chiron From the Students twenty10

I got a sense that here a patient could expect the best medical attention money could buy.

Eventually my health insurance covered the cost of my hospital stay but not the ondansetron. I imagined myself as one of the many Americans without insurance. At the top ranked hospital in the States, I was unable to access the medical care that was prescribed. Ironically, in a nation where leading medical institutions attract patients globally and rewrite the textbooks, many citizens aren’t able to reap the benefits of this world class care.

A largely privatised system affords infrastructure and research from which Americans with insurance and medical knowledge internationally, may benefit. Yet, in this process, the healthcare gap is widened as those without access are left behind. To some degree this is seen in all countries, however, I felt that the extent of this disparity in America may limit a doctor’s moral commitment to improve national health outcomes and provide Andrew enjoys the chilly North American winter care for those most in need.

My routine was suddenly interrupted when I presented the script at the pharmacy I was told My elective gave me the opportunity to pursue became a patient at the same hospital. After that because I still had no health insurance an area of interest and a sense of what it would a night of severe vomiting and abdominal number, the cost would be US$280. I declined be like as a doctor in a large, world-leading cramps I hesitantly presented to Emergency, the offer and was nauseous for the next hospital. I was able to further my clinical a five minute bus ride from my on-campus two days. skills, develop my surgical technique and dorm. The waiting room was overflowing learn from internationally renowned doctors. and, to make matters worse, I knew my health Switching back from patient to ‘doctor’ I I also walked for a while in the shoes of the insurance was still being processed by the began to reflect on the contrast between these recipients of the American healthcare system. Hospital’s medical school. I soon collapsed roles. I was puzzled why no one examined While careful not to draw strong conclusions with postural hypotension, was given a bed me physically, but moved straight to CT from my limited time there, I observed a and after some IV fluids and antiemetics I was when there was little clinical suspicion system shaped by different social values to approached by the registrar. of appendicitis. I began to notice the Australia’s, and wait to see what changes majority of billboards around the hospital Obama’s new health bill will bring. ‘Have you had your appendix out?’ were advertising medical litigation firms, encouraging patients to consider whether ‘No.’ they had been subject to malpractice. Had the risks of litigation in some way influenced ‘Well you’re gonna have a contrast abdominal clinical guidelines for investigating an acute CT so we can rule out appendicitis.’ abdomen? There would be less cost to the hospital and the patient would be spared When I asked whether I should have a physical radiation if investigated along Australian abdominal exam and surgical review first, he guidelines, but do the risks of not picking up replied that it was considered best practice to some occult cases outweigh these costs in an have the CT. My abdomen wasn’t looked at. intensely litigious America? In this case ‘best practice’ may function to serve the doctor as The CT was negative and I was discharged the much as the patient. next day with a diagnosis of food poisoning and an ondansetron script for nausea. When I

16 Focus on Student Prizes

The Mavis and Ivan Rowe Prize for Retinal Diseases Research

In December 2009, Alison Wiesenfeld gave $20,000 to the University of Melbourne in memory of her parents, Mavis and Ivan Rowe.

Her gift will establish an annual prize to support students researching retinal diseases, particularly age-related macular degeneration.

Mavis was born in South Australia in 1916. Economic circumstances forced her to leave school at 14, something she regretted throughout her life. In her sixties she was diagnosed with macular degeneration, like her father before her, although she rarely complained as her eyesight deteriorated.

Alison remembers that, ‘even when she could no longer read or sew, or watch television, she led an active life and maintained an enquiring Mavis and Ivan Rowe with family. curiosity about the world. She continued to cook, loved to tend her garden, and was a disease that caused my mother’s blindness, Winning essays for 2010 were submitted by volunteer at the Flinders Hospital in Adelaide but we also wanted to acknowledge my Louise Parry, Ranjit Singh, Agnes Yuen and for 15 years. Finally, when she could no longer parents’ lifelong interest in education,’ Jesse Zanker. cook, she spent many pleasurable hours she said. tramping around the local countryside.’ Karl David Yeomans Essay Prize The Mavis and Ivan Rowe Prize for Ivan Rowe was born in Victoria in 1906. Retinal Diseases Research will support the The Karl David Yeomans Prize is awarded Largely self-educated, he worked in winning student to attend the annual Royal annually to medical students who submit engineering, first in private industry and Australian and New Zealand College of the best essays about brain cancer. This then in his own business. He remembered Ophthalmologists’ conference, where they will prize was established with funds raised steam trains passing by his home when he have opportunities to learn about the latest from contributions made by the Buxton and was a child and, in his retirement, was able to developments in eye research and meet with Yeomans families, friends and associates in re-engage with this early passion, spending leading researchers. memory of the late Karl David Yeomans, son many hours in his shed making beautifully of Neville Yeomans (MBBS 1965), who died of constructed model steam engines. ‘Our sincere wish is that this small donation a brain tumour, aged 33, in 2006. will help young people fulfil their educational Ivan and Mavis led simple lives typical of aspirations and enhance our abilities to deal St Vincent’s Pacific Health Fund – the 1950s, and shared the responsibilities with visual disorders.’ Andrew Dent Student Scholarships of raising their four daughters. Alison remembers that her father was always Linda Richardson The St Vincent’s Pacific Health Fund, interested in their education and well-being. originally established with a legacy from 1979 After his death, Mavis married a family friend Peter G Jones Elective Essay Prizes MBBS graduate Andrew Dent (1955-2007), and found renewed joy in the last 15 years of provides project grants and scholarships to her life. A student prize for essays about medical health care workers, volunteers and students electives was established by the University in the Pacific region. When her mother died, Alison and her of Melbourne Medical Society in 1993 husband, David, discussed how they could and named for founding editor of Chiron, Information about how to donate to the Fund, use the money she left to Alison to establish a Peter G Jones in 1996. Prizes of $100 are or apply for a grant or scholarship can be fitting legacy to Mavis and Ivan. offered annually to students for the best found at: www.svhm.org.au/supportus/Pages/ essays describing their professional and PacificHealthFund.aspx ‘We wanted to support research into the personal experiences during their electives.

17 chiron Alumni Stories twenty10

Alumni Stories

The following three stories are all from alumni who completed a BMedSc year during their medical course: E Anne Shanahan in the first year the course was introduced, David Vaux and Jenny Dowd later. Both Anne and Jenny were sufficiently enthused by the experience to write about their experiences: Anne in the 1960 issue of Speculum and Jenny in the 1984 Medical Students’ Survival Manual—the medical student counter handbook. We asked them to reflect on what effect undergraduate research training had on their careers.

In the first place, it must be recognised that the doctor graduating from the Medical School is but partially trained. He has to go on learning throughout his whole post-graduate career, partly from his own experiences, partly from outside sources such as the medical literature, clinical societies and post-graduate courses. Moreover, the science of medicine is now advancing so rapidly that, even if the doctor could remember all he had learnt as a student, he would have to go on learning if he were not to fall rapidly behind, becoming in many ways a liability rather than an asset to the community. A doctor continues this vital process of self-education throughout life by employing an essentially scientific method. The treatment of every patient should be to some extent conducted as a scientific experiment. Critical judgement should be exercised in assimilation of new advances in the science of medicine. Our medical student must, therefore, be trained to be able to practise as an applied scientist; and for this training to be effective it must be conducted in an atmosphere permeated by the research spirit.

JC Eccles, Speculum, Journal of the Medical Students’ Society, University of Melbourne, 1945, p.21

18 E Anne Shanahan in the early 1960s Graduating from the University of Melbourne in 1985, Jenny Dowd is now an obstetrician at the Royal Women’s Hospital

David Vaux will be returning to WEHI as Assistant Director in 2011

19 chiron Alumni Stories twenty10

Rabbits and rats were demanding – as were the organic chemistry practical classes.

Tools that last An instinct for research By E Anne Shanahan (BSc 1960, MBBS 1961) By David Vaux (BMedSc 1981, MBBS 1984, PhD 1990)

Early in my undergraduate course I decided that surgery was my bent. From reading about early astronomers and physicists, I wanted to be a I found the study of anatomy and pathology fascinating. As these scientist. In 1976, when I was in Year 11, Gus Nossal came to speak at subjects form the basis of surgical practice, I was keen to devote more my school, and told us that molecular biologists had cloned the human time to them. Then, when undertaking a compulsory trimester subject gene for insulin, and could now switch it on in bacteria, to produce entitled Scientific Method, I underwent a revelation. The lecturer was abundant quantities of human insulin. It seemed to me that the golden a somewhat eccentric but very knowledgeable lady, Dr ‘Ding’ Dyson, age of physics had passed, but molecular biology was the science of and despite my anticipation that this subject was going to be ‘soft’ and a the future. waste of time, it ended up imparting standards of intellectual scrutiny that were invaluable. This combination of factors led to my decision to However, rather than doing a science degree, I thought it would be interrupt my course and spend 1959 undertaking research in pathology. better to do medicine, so that if it turned out that I didn’t like research, I could still be a rich doctor. During the first year of medicine at the My application for the generous Thomas and Elizabeth Ross University of Melbourne, we were given a small booklet that said Scholarship, which provides funding for medical students to undertake that between the third and fourth years it was possible to do an extra further study in the sciences, was successful. Although I had intended year of research. When I was in third year, I talked to Bill Boyle, our to spend 12 months in research in the pathology department, then inspirational immunology lecturer, for advice on where to do a BMedSc chaired by Professor ESJ King, this changed when a student colleague the following year. He put together a list of the people to go and see. failed to qualify for a Bachelor of Science degree due to a territorial dispute between university departments. I went to St Vincent’s, and talked to David Penington, and to the Royal Children’s Hospital and talked to David Danks and Dick Cotton. At the Having consulted the science faculty, I added Organic Chemistry Part Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) I talked to II, Science German and the faculty’s requirements for the technical Senga Wittingham, Ian Mackay, and the big enchilada himself, Gus. aspects of pathology to my planned twelve months of study. This Everyone I spoke to had interesting projects, but of course I chose Gus, resulted in working ten hour days. Rabbits and rats were demanding – because, after all, he was Gus, and he slapped me on my back and said as were the organic chemistry practical classes. My pathology research ‘welcome aboard!’ project concerned the study by micro-dissection of renal glomerular and tubular damage following a variety of insults. So for a year I worked in the Cellular Immunology Unit at WEHI. This was my chance to do experiments where the answer was not known, Was the year valuable, leaving aside the piece of paper attesting to very much in contrast to the pracs we did as med students. My project a science degree? Yes. The benefits of such intellectual discipline was to establish conditions in which individual mouse B lymphocytes were invaluable. Did it instil a desire to persist, at least part-time, in could be cultured and stimulated to differentiate and secrete antibody. research? Again, yes. Over the ensuing 25 years I continued this type of work, spending two years in the Harvard Department of Surgery My year at WEHI illustrated the key difference between doing research as a clinical and research fellow, researching the reinnervation of and studying medicine. At WEHI everyone had to present their the auto transplanted heart. I was also involved in cardiac physiology results to the rest of the lab and occasionally in a seminar to the whole research while practising as a cardio-thoracic surgeon until 1985 when institute. Each and every time you presented you would be interrupted I resigned my university appointment to study law part-time. and questioned. Everyone would try to come up with reasons for not believing your interpretation of your data, and provide different I retired from surgical practice in 2004 but continue to work as a explanations, and then they would suggest more experiments to find part-time member of three administrative law tribunals, wherein the out which was true. This was in marked contrast to medical school, analytical skills and attention to detail acquired in 1959 are just as where the unalterable words of God were provided for us to remember, beneficial as when applied to medical practice. I hope the Melbourne as written in the books of Gray and Lenninger and Harrison. Model provides a similar breadth of experience and discipline to that which I have enjoyed.

20 Each and every time you presented you would be interrupted and questioned.

In 1982 I returned to my fourth year of medical school at the Royal The practical skills I developed during the year included clinical Melbourne Hospital. I enjoyed the three clinical years and my intern examination and communication, microbiological culture techniques, year very much, but I still wanted to do research, so I started a PhD in developing an ELISA enzyme assay and testing over 500 paired sera, the Molecular Biology Unit in 1986. I stayed registered as a medical performing a mouse protection experiment to demonstrate IgG practitioner for the next 10 years or so, but I didn’t do any regular protection in vivo, and finally writing (and typing up) a thesis with clinical practice. Some years ago, my wife (a GP) asked me to give her literature survey in the days before Google, Medline, and indeed a flu vaccine, which I did. Afterwards, she said ‘Never do that again.’ word processors. So, I decided not to bother renewing my registration, and saved the money instead. The research skills I learned included how to write concisely, (or conversely how to obfuscate with data), and time management: as my David Vaux is an NHMRC Australia Fellow, currently at the La lab work would have taken up hospital resources needed for patient care Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, but he will be returning to I spent many evenings and weekends running assays. WEHI as Assistant Director in 2011. He investigates the molecular mechanisms of cell death (apoptosis). He is a Fellow of the Australian Less tangible but just as important in the long term were the life Academy of Science and Queen’s College, and he received the Victoria skills learned in response to moving out of home, the discipline of Prize for Science in 2003. When he is not doing research, he spends attending a regular work place after the relative freedom of lectures, his time trying to come up with reasons for not believing other and being in a hospital environment where I was encouraged to attend people’s research. clinical meetings and case presentations. This gave me an insight, not only into the speciality into which I eventually settled but into Balancing act the long and gruelling hours, exams and ritual humiliation faced by By Jenny Dowd (BMedSc 1982, MBBS 1985, MD 1999) hospital registrars.

It was the 1980s. University education was free, Bob Hawke was PM, The experience helped me decide on my career path of obstetrics and I was finishing third year medicine and moving on to clinical and encouraged me to undertake further research as I went on to do school. Student feminist politics and travel beckoned and I desperately another practical project for my MD – looking at cervical risk factors for wanted to move out of my parent’s home and into a shared household, preterm labour. Having achieved two research qualifications, I flirted but without, as Virginia Wolf necessitates, a ‘private income and a room with an academic career while in a senior lecturer post for three years of one’s own’ I chose what seemed to be a ‘Clayton’s’ year off, doing in the professorial unit at the Royal Women’s, before moving into a mix a BMedSc. of public and private obstetric practice.

This was acceptable to my Depression-era raised parents, in this time A BMedSc is never wasted. The discipline and lateral thinking involved before ‘gap years’ become commonplace, because as formal study it in planning such a project has given me skills useful in designing and counted as a reason to subsidise my rent in the city! running an innovative business model of private obstetric practice while still being involved in the real world of public hospital care and So what to choose? Always interested in women’s health, and feeling the training of the next generation of O&G specialists. The experience more comfortable with clinical research that answered a practical enriched me in so many ways, both personally and professionally, and I question than more fundamental science, I found the perfect project would encourage anyone to consider this or a similar research project. at the Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne, where a rash of perinatal infections and neonatal deaths due to Group B Streptococcus had Jenny Dowd is an obstetrician on the senior medical staff at the prompted a plan to look at type specific maternal IgG antibodies as a Royal Women’s Hospital and part of a private group obstetric practice protective factor in early onset neonatal infection. www.womensogs.com.au

A BMedSc is never wasted

21 chiron Alumni Stories twenty10

Letters from abroad…

Three alumni write about their post-graduate experience in the Americas.

Notes from the field: adequately addressed because of the poor pre- been donated; many were simply living under Haiti earthquake relief existing health system. tarpaulin by the side of the road. By Tanya Lam (BMedSc 2003, MBBS 2005) Port-Au-Prince was a challenging physical People were living amongst the rubble, Two months after an earthquake devastated environment to work in. Each day was around selling their wares in front of the places Haiti, killing over 230,000 people and 38 degrees, with high humidity and only where primary schools and government displacing one million more, and on my final partial shade in the triage area. Though the buildings used to stand… afternoon there as a volunteer paediatric monsoon season was yet to start, there were doctor, a group of us took a drive through several days of downpour when the tents Ultimately, my time in Haiti highlighted the city. For the first time we saw the fields were flooded. the importance of having committed and of tents and tarpaulin, the dilapidated old tireless colleagues. The teamwork at the field buildings and block after block of rubble in Nights in the hospital were unpredictable. hospital was invaluable, making the difficult the city centre. Though most of the roads had Pregnant women would present well into circumstances much more bearable. Working been cleared, crumpled buildings remained, labor, on several occasions delivering in front in the field hospital also highlighted the some of them still half-standing, with their of triage. A sixteen year old boy presented vast amount of coordination that is required inside rooms and wallpaper visible. with new onset seizures, febrile, agitated in establishing a relief effort. As clinicians and hydrophobic. We were concerned he had we deal with patients. In a way, we take for We drove past the shattered stained- rabies, however he recovered overnight after granted the supply of medicines, equipment, glass windows of a cathedral, where the a clear lumbar puncture and IV antibiotics. infrastructure and security. Working with congregation was singing under a tent in the Late one night actor Sean Penn drove in with a Project Medishare made us acutely aware courtyard. Throughout the city, people were baby whose mother had bottle-fed him bleach. of the logistics, diplomatic negotiations and living amongst the rubble, selling their wares The baby was intubated and recovered over the fundraising that were so essential to the work in front of the places where primary schools course of the week. we were all doing. and government buildings used to stand. In the paediatric ER, there were a wide range Project Medishare is an NGO affiliated with Before this, my time in Haiti had been of acute infections, burns and trauma. Several the University of Miami and has a longstanding confined to the emergency field hospital in children had severe malnutrition. Most were presence in Haiti’s healthcare and community Port-Au-Prince. The Haitian government from orphanages that were overwhelmed and development sectors. More information can be had asked Project Medishare to construct the under resourced. I had a long conversation found at the Project Medishare website (www. hospital on the edge of the capital’s airfield, a with the head nurse at an orphanage who projectmedishare.org) where you can sign up to space it shared with the US Military. described the dire conditions there and in her donate or volunteer. strong but weary voice implored me not to The hospital consisted of 300 critical care return the children to the orphanage, as ‘only After completing a Master of Public Health beds, four operating theatres and an intensive the strong would survive’. at Columbia University Tanya Lam recently care unit, and relied on volunteers staying returned to paediatric training at the Melbourne for eight-day rotations. There were four Malnutrition became an even more pressing Royal Children’s Hospital. main tents: a supply tent, a medical tent with issue when our calorie-dense nutrition supply the single X-ray machine and pharmacy, went missing from the supply tent. Air force The Boston Experience a paediatric/NICU/ICU/OR tent with an personnel offered their MREs (Meals Ready By Cameron Keating (BMedSc 2002, additional pharmacy and pathology area, and to Eat) and staff pulled together their own MBBS 2004, PGDipSurgAnat 2007) the staff sleeping tent. There was one source food supplies, mostly energy bars. While it of drinkable water at the back of the camp and was difficult knowing that vital supplies were Nothing prepares you for how beautiful one set of shower stalls. being stolen, we also realised that the people Boston is in the summer! The distinctive stealing them were themselves desperate. brownstone townhouses in Back Bay, the Two months had passed since the earthquake gardens of the Boston Common in full bloom, by the time my colleagues and I arrived. By The many homeless children we treated made and the imposing marble buildings of Harvard then the relief effort had entered a transitional it hard to accept that we were discharging Medical School all glow in the sunshine. phase. Nevertheless, the week before I arrived, most patients and their families to live on Academia, history and politics are taken very triage was still processing up to 400 patients a the streets. The more fortunate families had seriously here, but unfortunately it’s still day. Cases were a mix of emergency problems relatives away from the capital whose houses impossible to find a good coffee… and chronic illnesses that had not been were still standing. Others had tents that had

22 Tanya with a 14 year old Haitian girl Cameron enjoys the sunshine outside Massachusetts Elgene and his wife Davinia celebrate the Fourth of July General Hospital in true Boston style

After some major visa delays, I arrived just Academia, history and politics are taken research, it is certainly fertile ground for in time to undertake the inaugural two-week very seriously here, but unfortunately it’s pioneering innovations. Another aspect of course in translational research at Harvard still impossible to find a good coffee… American culture I have grown to respect is Medical School. This was a challenging that of celebrating success. Quintessential to program, which brought together scientists, There are many similarities between Boston this practice is the recognition of excellence, clinicians, academics and the pharmaceutical and Melbourne and in fact we have been and this has allowed America to harness the industry. It’s quite common in Boston to ‘sister cities’ since 1985. However, although talents of many from all parts of the world. pursue a mixed clinical and research career, Melbourne warms up towards Christmas, move over to work for ‘big pharma’, and then unfortunately the infamous Boston winter Like Melbourne, Boston is in many ways a return to academia. The most memorable awaits us over here… boutique city known more for its academia aspect of this course was the palpable sense and culture rather than its glitz or neon lights. of optimism amongst the participants and Adventures of a Fulbright Scholar Having attracted people like ourselves from faculty, that they could individually and By Elgene Lim (MBBS 1995, PhD 2010) all over the United States and the world to collectively transform medicine through hard its educational opportunities, it was initially work and good science. Three months into my American adventure challenging finding an authentic Bostonian. and it’s the Fourth of July, which this This almost became an obsession with us, as I have recently commenced my research at year marks the 234th anniversary of US we did not want our social circles to lack this the Plastic Surgery Research Laboratory at independence from the British. After nine most important constituent. Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). hours in the humid Boston summer, staking I have been generously supported in my out our prized positions at the Hatch (think The role reversal from local to foreigner studies here by both a Fulbright Postgraduate Myer Music Bowl) with four friends, the has opened our eyes to some of the Scholarship and a Medical Insurance Group Boston Pops begin the evening’s program struggles facing new migrants back in Australia (MIGA) grant, both of which are with a poignant orchestral score dedicated to Australia… very helpful. It’s exciting planning a range of the lives of the Kennedy brothers. The concert animal experiments and a clinical trial that I ends with fireworks that fill the same skyline Outside of work, highlights included will be working on over the next 18 months. where battles were fought for a new way of gatherings with fellow Aussies (roast lamb My research will examine a technology that life, and there is certainly no better place to is not as tasty in the US), digging into the welds nerve ends together without sutures, celebrate this momentous occasion. famous Maine lobsters, and eureka moments creating a watertight seal in the hope that this of finding good coffee (few and far between). improves peripheral nerve regeneration after These events were set in motion when I The most enjoyable and enriching experiences traumatic injury. Our lab has demonstrated was awarded the 2010 Victorian Fulbright by far have been meeting new friends, promising results in rats and rabbits and we Scholarship to pursue clinical and laboratory American and ‘alien’ alike, who have enriched hope to trial this technique on trauma patients research in breast cancer at the Dana Farber our lives and world view as a result. presenting to MGH. Cancer Institute. Davinia, my wife, had been offered a place at Harvard University to pursue On a more personal note, this sojourn from I’m in a lab with extensive facilities including a Masters in Public Health. We left Melbourne our careers in Melbourne has allowed us to six animal theatres for operating and three at the end of summer to be welcomed by take stock and chart a new direction for our surgical microscopes. Most importantly, our the beauty of Boston in spring—budding growth as individuals and as a couple. Away research team is diverse and enthusiastic magnolia trees and the gradual awakening from our friends and family, we depend on with fellows from the United States, India, of our surroundings from wintry slumber each other now more than ever before. The Serbia, Japan, China and Italy. I will also into a renaissance-like portrait filled with role reversal from local to foreigner has opened be collaborating with the Wellman Center vibrant colours of new life. I suspected we our eyes to some of the struggles facing new for Photomedicine and biochemists at would appreciate this all the more once we migrants back in Australia. These shared Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). experienced the New England winter. personal experiences and career opportunities The concentration of researchers here in will likely define this chapter of our lives, Boston facilitates these collaborations just as The opportunities at work have been and we hope that our time remaining in the the ‘Parkville precinct’ does in Melbourne. everything I had hoped for and more. The US will not fly past as quickly as it has so far work culture is epitomised by an openness during our American adventure. for new ideas, a strong work ethic and a collaborative spirit. Combined with the accessibility of experts in broad areas of

23 chiron Medical Memories twenty10

24 Celebrating 150 Years of the Melbourne Medical School

Hidden Stories in the Medical History Museum By Anna Harris

I’ve always loved medical libraries, probably because I have spent over The objects and documents associated with Halford, that I have a decade studying in them. There are constant sources of distraction found whilst volunteering, provide a window not only into the life of in medical libraries: the latest scientific journals; microbiology books a contentious researcher and teacher, but also into the collection of with exquisite photographs; anatomical texts filled with woodcuts and the Medical History Museum. Amongst Halford’s material objects engravings. When I first arrived at the University of Melbourne to and paper artefacts, there is: a Powell and Lealand compound study for my Masters, I found the most wonderful distraction of all: the monocular and binocular microscope stored in a walnut case with a Medical History Museum. handwritten inventory; a cabinet of microscope slides commercially and handmade between 1860 and 1889; a paper entitled On a Remarkable Gradually, over the years, the medical museum has become more Symmetrically Deformed Skeleton (1868); distinguished photographs of than a distraction, and since March this year I have been volunteering the professor and his family; and his simple and elegant business card. there every Thursday afternoon. I share a computer and office with an operating table, anaesthetic equipment and hundreds of locked and Other important pieces in the collection associated with Halford labelled wooden boxes. It is dusty and cluttered and I love it! include a student’s set of lecture notes compiled during Professor Halford’s anatomy and physiology lectures throughout 1877. This The museum was established in the Brownless Biomedical library in leather bound exercise book, with John Springthorpe’s scribblings 1967, with a grant from the Wellcome Trust. A beautiful 19th century and pencil illustrations, is the only surviving example of Professor Savory and Moore pharmacy, shipped from Belgravia, London, is Halford’s teaching; an important record of the early days of anatomy installed in the museum, complete with bottles and gold-labelled and physiology education in Melbourne. herb drawers. On display there are also microscopes, amputation sets and bleeding equipment, in walnut display cases. Currently there is All of these objects are material remnants of Professor Halford’s time a temporary exhibition about apothecaries – The Physick Gardener: at the University of Melbourne. Halford was a significant figure in the Aspects of an Apothecary’s World – curated by the museum’s new curator history of the medical school, yet these objects also provide a glimpse Susie Shears (see p37). Behind a hidden door in the pharmacy are into the stories of his many students, such as John Springthorpe. The the curator’s offices and storage areas, where chests and drawers may photographs and notebooks are microscopic slices of a time when contain pathological slides or stapleguns, and shelves are filled with medical students wore aprons and dissected on wooden tables and boxes, books and ephemera. when physiological illustrations were carefully hand-coloured.

There are many treasured items in the museum’s collection including The museum objects are portals into the past, providing insight into specie jars, pill rolling machines and medicine chests used by doctors medical teaching at the University of Melbourne. From such ephemera during visits to rural areas in Australia. One of the oldest photographs we learn about what was taught and how it was taught. There are many (1864), and one of my favourites, depicts the first medical students more stories hidden amongst the objects carefully labelled, stored and carrying out work in the anatomy dissecting room, under the supervision displayed at the medical museum, just as there are thousands of tales of Professor Halford, and the watchful gaze of the medical school porter. yet to be shared from the ephemera saved by past medical students.

Professor George Britton Halford (1824–1910) was a lecturer in London, Anna Harris, BMedSc 1998 (Tas), MBBS 2001 (Tas), MSocHlth 2005 before taking the first chair of anatomy, physiology and pathology at the (Melb), PhD 2009 (Melb) is now doing post-doctoral research at the University of Melbourne. He moved to the antipodes with anatomical Maastricht Virtual Knowledge Studio, Faculty of Arts and Social and pathological specimens he had collected for a museum, and books Sciences at Maastricht University and the ESRC Centre for Genomics to start a library. His first practical classes and lectures were held in the in Society, University of Exeter. converted coach-house of his private residence, before moving to the newly completed medical school in 1864.

Professor Halford played an important role in the teaching and A page from John Springthorpe's notebook (opposite) administration of the new medical school in Melbourne, and was a detailing his notes on the kidney. strong advocate for female students. He arrived in Melbourne with an established record as a researcher (one of his most important essays being The Action and Sounds of the Heart: A Physiological Essay (1860)) but his later controversial experiments with snake venom damaged this reputation.

25 chiron Medical Memories twenty10

William Carey Rees and Patrick Moloney Medical student ephemera collection were two of the first three students to enrol in the medical course in 1862, both graduating In 2012 the Melbourne Medical School will in 1867. Rees received 2nd class honours in celebrate 150 years since its foundation. While his first year, with exhibitions for chemistry, this occasion gives us reason to focus on the mineralogy and botany and graduated with 1st long history of the Medical School it also class honours. He obtained the MD in 1872 presents an opportunity to ensure that our and died in 1879. more recent history is not lost.

Moloney received 1st class honours in his Material held in the Medical History Museum first year of medicine, with the exhibition in about or created by medical students opens Greek, Latin and English and logic. Winning a window to the scholarship, the interests the Vice-Chancellor’s prize (open to the whole and the daily lives of past students. In the university) in 1866 for his English essay, hope that such materials are not lost to the Moloney was something of a writer and went future we are encouraging medical alumni on to publish sonnets in the Australasian to consider donating publications, notebooks, and Melbourne Punch. On the staff of the photographs or ephemera from student Melbourne Hospital from 1875-97, he died in activities such as the Medleys etc. 1904 in Ulverstone, England where he and his wife had resided for seven years, presumably If you have any material you believe might moving there to be near their only daughter assist future generations to understand the who had married a barrister and member of lives of past medical students please contact: the House of Commons. Susie Shears, Curator, Medical History Museum on telephone (+61 3) 8344 9935 or Alexander Mackie was the third student to via email: [email protected] begin the medical course in 1862. He dropped the course in second year, however, to join the Presbyterian ministry. Twenty years later Mackie returned to the course but died before he could complete it.

Octavius Vernon Lawrence graduated MB in 1868 and MD in 1871—the first to obtain the Melbourne MD by ordinary examination, all previous MD conferrals having been granted under special regulations. Lawrence worked as demonstrator in anatomy from 1871-76. When he resigned, due to the pressure of private practice, the position was taken up by Harry Brookes Allen.

Source: Russell, KF. The Melbourne Medical School 1862-1962

Illustrations and notes from John Springthorpe’s notebook are a window into Halford’s teaching in the early years of the medical course.

26 In this, one of Anna’s favourite photographs from the collection, Halford is seen standing (second from right) with students in the dissecting room in 1864. Standing at the back is the medical school porter. The students, seated from left to right, are: Octavius Vernon Lawrence, Thomas Ramsden Ashworth, Patrick Moloney, Francis Long, Alexander Mackie, Gerald Henry Fetherston (who acted as unofficial prosector) and William Carey Rees.

27 chiron Reunions twenty10

MBBS Reunions

1945 1948

Seated L–R: Kurt Schwarz, Joan Mowlam, Eric Taft, John Critchley, Seated L–R: Gertie Bornstein, Peg Archer, Marian Brookes, Alan Goble Michael Shoobridge. Behind L–R: Bob Kelly, Howard Farrow, Norman Dowell, Behind L–R: Ian Mackay, Donal Rush, Desmond Prentice, Durham Smith, Joe Santamaria, Peter Colville, Bob Marshall, Donald Hewson, Iris Leber, James Gardiner, James Keipert. Wal Richards, Peter Freeman, Hal Breidahl, Keith Layton, Bob Zacharin.

MBBS 1948 MBBS 1959 MBBS 1960

We celebrated our 62 year reunion with Our 50 year reunion was held on Saturday 21 Friendships were renewed as though it was lunch at the Royal South Yarra Tennis Club November, 2009 at the Hilton On The Park. only yesterday when 51 members of the on Friday October 8, 2010. This is our third We have held our past seven reunions there class of 1960 and their partners gathered reunion at this venue and they have all been because of its central position, easy parking, for our 50 year reunion at the Peninsula very enjoyable. Of the 91 who graduated in accommodation, meeting facilities and Golf Club on 9 October, 2010. The weekend 1948 there are 38 surviving and 17 attended excellent food. was greatly enjoyed by all in beautiful, the luncheon. There were five apologies. Four relaxed surroundings. of our number are living overseas and eight Some 44 graduates attended this reunion out are interstate. It was good to see old friends of the 98 who graduated in March 1960. We A highlight was David Burke’s unveiling of and to catch up. We decided to meet again in had 15 apologies, 15 who did not reply, and the book that he had put together, ‘The Half two years time. sadly 24 people now no longer with us. Century of the Year 1960’, which illustrated the many different ways members of our class Bob Kelly There were several speakers. John Mathew, have made contributions to the community. who remains involved in medical politics This theme also featured in the three short and education, was entertaining as usual. talks given by David Beavis (medical practice Rod Syme then gave an interesting talk on in New Guinea), Merrilyn Murnane (post- Euthanasia. Bert de Voogd led a discussion retirement work with children in New Guinea) about the next reunion and it was decided to and Jim Breheny (administration with meet again in three years at the same venue. medicine and the patient at the forefront). We then did a reverse roll call where everyone spoke about their lives and plans, which was Sandy Spiers and Margaret came from the very interesting. Our last speaker was Denis UK, and Denis and Ann O’Day from the Bourke and he concluded the evening at about USA, where only a month ago, Vanderbilt 11.15 pm. We all agreed this was an excellent University created the Denis O’Day Chair of reunion with some people commenting that it Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. may have been the best. Jack Martin Clive Bennetts

28 1960 1990

L–R: Albert Graham, Sandy Spiers, Andy Saltups, Jack Martin, L–R: Katie Matthiesson, Georgie Pettigrew, Nick Kokotis, George Mikolajunas, Peter Ots, Geoff Pierce and Rod Abud. Simon Bernard and Monique Ryan.

MBBS 1979 MBBS 1990 2012 Reunions

The class of ‘79 reunion was held on Saturday Our 20 year reunion was a huge success. The MBBS Class of 1952 will celebrate 14 November, 2009—back where it all This was our first reunion, so it was a real its 60 year reunion on Saturday, 10 started—at the university. A group of 90 thrill to see so many old faces after so November 2012 at the Royal South Yarra graduates and partners met for a cocktail long. Approximately 120 people attended the Lawn Tennis Club. For more information party at University House in the recently event held at Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club, and to register your interest, please refurbished lounge and west garden. For many many travelling from interstate, and one from contact Hugh Hadley on 9822 7326 it was their first visit back to the university the UK. It was a warm evening, and there was for 30 years so it was interesting to see the plenty of food, drink and reminiscing. The MBBS Class of 1962 has also begun changes and to recall events of the past. There to make plans for a reunion to celebrate was lively conversation as attendees happily Simon Bernard and James Malone emceed their fiftieth anniversary in 2012. renewed friendships and caught up on career and invited a few of the attendees to tell us paths and personal journeys. One memorable about their varied medical careers. It was Plans are also underway for reunions comment was, ‘It’s a great night but there are fascinating to see how people have changed, in 2011 for the classes of 1957, 1986 so many old people here!’ and the interesting direction that lives and and 1991. careers have taken. We had a slide show with It took a while for the reunion to be planned, old photos of university days accompanied by If your MBBS Class is interested in but thanks to John Tescher we had the music from the late 80s, which elicited many holding a reunion next year, or in 2012, impetus, and with some prompting Margie laughs! The function ended around 1 am, but please contact us to discuss how we can Dawson and I ran with the idea. On the night that didn’t stop some, who carried on until 4 help you on T: (+61 3) 8344 8058; E: there were many grateful people who enjoyed am. All in all, a great night. [email protected] the evening and volunteered to arrange another event in five years time. I hope they Georgie Pettigrew are reading this!

Barbara Goss

29 chiron Obituaries twenty10

Obituaries Recorded with regret, the passing of…

Lois C Andersen (MBBS 1949) Edward J Lee (MBBS 1952) David J Bartram (MBBS 1947) Donald R Macdonald (MBBS 1958) David S Baxter (BSc 2001, MBBS 2006) William M Maxwell (MBBS 1947, MD 1961) Alan R Belcher (MBBS 1950) Lawrence L McInnes (MBBS 1952) Charles Bridges-Webb, AO (MBBS 1957) Gregory R Mundy (MBBS 1966) Frank P Callaghan (MBBS 1943) Michael M O’Brien (MBBS 1937) Ian H Chenoweth, MBE (MBBS 1942) Keng-Hoey Ouw (MBBS 1961, GDipPsych 1985) Allen J Christophers (MBBS 1938, BSc 1948) James S Peters (MBBS 1937, MD 1946) Helen Church (BSc 1945, MBBS 1947) Peter G Petty (MBBS 1957, MS 1965) John K Clarebrough, AM OBE (MBBS 1947) Winton H Phillips (MBBS 1936) Bryan E Cohen (MBBS 1950, MMed 1986) George H Rayner (MBBS 1957, PGrDip Laryngology & Otology 1964) Allan B Connard (MBBS 1946) Norman Rose (MBBS 1939) Charles K Davidson (MBBS 1942, BSc 1947) Cyril D Rosengarten (MBBS 1947) Tony Divis (MBBS 1960) Ian L Rowe, OAM (MBBS 1947) Roger Fagan (MBBS 1976) Robert G Shaw (MBBS 1953) Keith O Gough (MBBS 1947) Arnold L Smith (MBBS 1965) Arthur W Harrison (BAgSc 1949, MAg 1956, MBBS 1962, GDipPsych 1971) William A St Clair (MBBS 1950) Leonard Hartman (MBBS 1948) Samuel Troski (MBBS 1946, GDip Ophthalmology 1953) Keith L Hayes (MBBS 1950) Michael Turner (MBBS 1965) John B Jolley (MBBS 1953) Elizabeth M Varrenti (MBBS 1991) Elsie Koadlow (MBBS 1947) Frank B Webb, AM (MBBS 1956) Francis J Kenny (MBBS 1940) Blair Widmer, OAM (MBBS 1939) Michael Kloss (MBBS 1957) Charles W Wilson (MBBS 1944) Colin R Laing (MBBS 1939, GDip Diag Radiol 1947)

Contributions

If you know of a medical graduate whose recent death we have not listed, please let us know. We are also interested to receive and publish obituaries of our medical alumni, in Chiron and on our website. Please contact or send obituaries to: Liz Brentnall, Editor, Chiron, 4th floor, 766 Elizabeth Street, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010. T:(+61 3) 8344 5325 E: [email protected]

30 Charles Bridges-Webb Rose-Hunt Award for outstanding Ann Phillips. In 1954, after a year’s was proud of delivering thousands 1934–2010 services to general practice and residency in Bendigo and a short of local newborns and was award of life fellowship of the stint in Willaura, Peter and Ann delivering his third generation of Charles Bridges-Webb was a major college in 2004. Charles was also moved to Cohuna. district babies on his retirement figure in international primary care the inaugural patron of the RACGP in 2003. research for many years. Born in Research Foundation. An activist at heart, Peter fought 1934, he graduated from the Faculty hard for rural medicine and Peter believed people in rural and of Medicine at the University of In the 2002 Australia Day Honours served on many community and remote communities were entitled Melbourne in 1957. From 1960 List Charles was made an Officer of government committees. He was to best practice local healthcare and to 1975 he worked as a general the Order of Australia ‘for service to founding President of the Rural worked tirelessly in his community practitioner in Traralgon where he medicine, particularly in the field of Doctors Association of Victoria, to ensure this was the case. He commenced his life long interest in primary care research and practice’. Chairman of the Murray-Plains is survived by his wife Ann, six the classification of primary care. Division of General Practice, a children and many grandchildren. Charles was notable for his board member of the Faculty His MD was awarded from Monash generosity in sharing his talents of Rural Medicine and a board Fiona Lloyd, Peter Graham’s daughter University in 1971, followed in 1975 and his time, his patience with member of the Australian College by his appointment as Foundation young researchers and his careful of Rural and Remote Medicine. In Professor of Community Medicine and meticulous approach to his Cohuna, Peter served as a member (later General Practice) at the research. Equally important was of the Cohuna Hospital Board, University of Sydney. He headed his loving partnership with his was a local Shire Councillor and Sydney University’s Department of wife Anne and his ability to balance President, founding president of the General Practice from 1975 until his extraordinary professional Cohuna Elderly Citizens Village, his retirement in 1994. In honour contributions with a full and a charter member of the Cohuna of his many years of distinguished rewarding personal life. Lions Club and still managed service Charles was awarded an to establish a multi-disciplinary Emeritus Professorship and an Michael R Kidd, AM, MBBS 1983 medical practice honorary Master of Medicine Executive Dean, Faculty of Health by the University of Sydney. A Sciences, Flinders University; Peter was recognised for his services founding member of the Australian President-elect, World Organization to medicine and the community Frances James Kenny Association of Academic General of Family Doctors when he was honoured as ‘Regional 1915–2009 Practice in 1983, he also served as Victorian of the Year’ in 1993, as association president from 1989- Member of the Order of Australia Born in 1915, the third son of Mark 1991. (AM) in 1995 and with a Centenary and Agnes Kenny, Frank Kenny Medal in 2000. won a scholarship to study at St The World Organisation of Family Kevin’s and Parade Colleges in East Doctors (WONCA) was established In his precious spare time, Peter Melbourne and after winning a in 1972 and, that same year, Charles would head to his hut on the Murray further scholarship commenced his was appointed as the Australian River with his loyal Labrador to medical course at the University of representative on the new WONCA enjoy a catch of Murray Crayfish or Melbourne in 1933. International Classification Murray Cod. It was here he enjoyed Committee, becoming committee time with his six children and, later, He served as resident medical chairman 1991-98. He was actively his many grandchildren, teaching officer at St Vincent’s Hospital involved in the development of them to light a fire, hook a line or Bendigo, Bendigo Base Hospital and the International Classification of Peter Warner Graham pilot a boat. Peter often joked he had as deputy assistant superintendent Primary Care, which has proven to 1927–2008 nine lives, having survived three at Fairfield Infectious Diseases be of immense benefit to clinicians, days lost in the snow at Perisher Hospital. Enlisting as a medical health planners and communities For 48 years Peter ‘Doc’ Graham Valley, two boat accidents, a car officer in the Air Force in 1941 he around the world. was GP on-call and much-loved smash and a light plane crash. served in various units until 1945 community member of Cohuna, in and was promoted to squadron Following his retirement from the northern Victoria. Peter was manager of the medical leader in August 1944. University of Sydney, Charles had practice at Mount Buller (1970-72) a continuing role as an educator Born an undiagnosed twin in and appalled by the risky practice Frank married his wife Monica of general practice trainees with Warragul in 1927, Peter grew up of sending patients down the in 1943 and they settled in the Royal Australian College of in Charlton in the Mallee before mountain with unstable fractures, Warracknabeal for the next 17 General Practitioners, focusing winning a scholarship to Geelong Peter installed Australia’s first years where he became active in on teaching the fundamentals of Grammar School. Whilst studying mountain-based x-ray machine to the Warracknabeal Hospital’s research in primary care, a role he medicine at Melbourne University manage patients on the mountain. Board of Management and the Air continued to fill until a few weeks from 1946-51, Peter, among others, Force Association. They had three before his death. His contribution edited Speculum magazine. It was He was a pioneer in endoscopes and children, Franceen, Anne-Marie to research was recognised through as a medical student at the Alfred practiced surgery and anaesthetics, and Michael. his receipt of the college’s 1993 Hospital that he met his future wife, right up until his retirement. He

31 chiron Obituaries twenty10

In 1962 the family returned to Mavis Laing Fellowship Fund. of antiques, especially silver and They blamed his adherence to his Melbourne and Frank commenced porcelain, and donated many items medical vocation. practice in Albert Park where he The only child of John Albert to the Bendigo Art Gallery. In 2006 stayed until his retirement in 1984, Laing, a civil engineer, and Eleanor Colin was honoured when the Board Greg married Helen Bath after maintaining an active interest in Troutbeck, Colin was educated at of the Gallery conferred on him the finals in November 1966 then veterans’ affairs and helping Air Melbourne Boy’s Grammar School Life Governorship. undertook a residency at Hobart Force veterans with health, social and the University of Melbourne Hospital, Tasmania, against much and financial problems. graduating in medicine in 1939. It Colin was an excellent golfer with advice that this was not a place for was wartime and after completing a long sweet swing. His name physician training. He proved the Frank Kenny was a deeply his residency at the Alfred Hospital appears on most of the Honour advice wrong, passing the College intelligent, hard working and in 1943 he joined the Royal Boards at the Royal Melbourne Golf of Physicians’ examination at the successful man. He was proud Australian Air Force as a Medical Club. In 1971, at the age of 54, he first attempt, and research training of his achievements and sought Officer, with postings to Darwin won the Club Championship over with an MD thesis on multiple happiness in the achievements and Sydney. Colin returned to the 36 holes playing Ranald Macdonald, myeloma supervised by Albert of his family. Though sometimes Alfred and completed his training well known as Chief Executive Baikie. His Tasmanian experience remote and formal, Frank could also in radiology before joining the of The Age newspaper. Colin was provided Greg with a great basis be very insightful and educational, Melbourne Radiological Clinic, runner-up eight years previously. for his future work in bone, where and a cup of tea with him could the largest private practice in town he provided notable insights into be instructive, compelling and at the time, based at St Andrew’s WSC (Bill) Hare, AO, MBBS 1951, the mechanisms of bone disease thought-provoking. Hospital, now the site of the Peter MD 1954, GDipDiagRadiol 1956 in myeloma. MacCallum. He remained with Damien Kenny, Frank Kenny’s grandson the clinic until retirement when Upon arriving to a position in he was the Senior Partner. He Rochester, New York, Greg aligned continued his association with the himself with Larry Raisz, who Alfred becoming the Senior Visiting had worked out how to grow bone Radiologist. Mammography was his in tissue culture to allow study of particular interest, which he studied how bone resorption is controlled on visits to America. by hormones, drugs or chemicals. This led Greg into the field of bone Approaching 40 years of age and biology where he was to make such living at home in Armadale with wonderful contributions. He rapidly his mother, his father having died became a leader in research on bone suddenly during the war, Colin cells, how they communicate with enjoyed a bachelor’s life. He was an Gregory Robert Mundy each other, and the implications of active member of the Athenaeum 1942–2010 these communication mechanisms Colin Robert Laing Club, which was within easy for disease. His discovery with 1917–2010 walking distance of his practice, Greg Mundy, one of this university’s Raisz that multiple myeloma cells a member of the Rotary Club most distinguished alumni, died produced activities that caused bone Colin Laing was President of the of Melbourne for 23 years and a on February 25 at his home in San resorption by activating the cells Royal Australian and New Zealand Director on the Board in 1960-62. Antonio, Texas after a long illness. responsible for this - osteoclasts College of Radiologists in 1966-67 Royal Melbourne and Peninsula His career was one of consistent, - set the scene for new thinking after some years as Chairman of Golf Clubs and the Victoria Racing remarkable achievement over four about myeloma. the Victorian Branch and a Federal Club were his other interests and decades in bone cell biology and its Councillor. After retirement, at he was an enthusiastic concert- control by hormones and cytokines, In subsequent years Greg was age 67, he joined The University goer. Later in life he joined the the implications of this for either directly or indirectly of Melbourne Department of Melbourne Club. And then there osteoporosis, and most notably, for responsible for many advances Radiology. For 20 years, mostly was his beloved Jaguar so in the skeletal complications of cancer. made in understanding the bone on an honorary basis, until his keeping with Colin’s elegance. complications of myeloma, and late eighties, each Thursday he Greg was Australian, remaining how to treat them, and over more diligently prepared material for His life style changed abruptly on unmistakably so throughout than two decades he led many of students to study. He considered an overseas trip to Britain when his 35 years in the USA. Born the discoveries around how solid this the most satisfying phase of his he met Mavis Berenice Keys, a in Templestowe, he came to the cancers, particularly of breast and professional life. The Colin Laing charming lady from Bendigo, and University from Trinity Grammar prostate, spread to the skeleton and Undergraduate Film Library is eight years his junior. In 1956 School and was a notably grew there. named in recognition of his work. they were married at Melbourne successful student sportsman, Whilst working in the Department Grammar Chapel and soon winning full blues in cricket He was a great competitor in he became aware of the need to afterwards settled into 32 Grange and baseball. His teammates research, reflecting the fast bowler’s increase opportunities for research Road, Toorak which was to be their recall a typically aggressive fast attitude to life, but the fiercest in diagnostic radiology and he only home. They had no children. bowler who, surprisingly, when competition could never over-ride made a significant endowment he caused physical damage in the many close friendships he had to the university resulting in the Colin and Mavis, who died in those days of uncovered wickets, throughout the field. He was a establishment of The Colin and 1995, were enthusiastic collectors would be inclined to ‘ease up’. superb lecturer, whether talking

32 about his own research or surveying Resident at Newman College Peter Graeme Petty Square and Maida Vale—at the the field, and had a real skill in from 1931, Jim was captain of 1934–2010 time pre-eminent centres of cutting through complexity. the Newman football team, once neurosurgical training. He then kicking 18 goals against Queens Peter Petty, a skilful and innovative took a most unusual pathway for In 1980 Greg moved to San Antonio in the Intercollegiate match surgeon and teacher who played a an Australian surgeon, spending a as Head of Endocrinology, where in 1937. He also captained the major role in the development of year studying under Ross Adey at he spent 25 years as a remarkably Victorian Amateur and Australian neurosurgery in Australia, has died the Space Biology Laboratory, Brain productive scientist, and an Representative teams and in 2007 aged 75. Research Institute at the University educator who trained more than was delighted to be inducted by of California, Los Angeles, studying 150 students and fellows, many of the Victorian Amateur Football Born in Melbourne to Alice (nee behaviour modification using whom have progressed to successful Association as one the Inaugural Patterson) and Valentine Petty, and electromagnetic radiation. He independent careers. His research Legends of the Game. the eldest of five siblings, he was was strongly influenced by Adey’s has been acknowledged by very educated at Deepdene State School studies becoming interested in many prestigious awards, society After completing his residency at and East Kew Central School before consciousness in his later life. executive positions and editorial St Vincent’s Hospital he served in winning a scholarship to Scotch board memberships. the AIF from 1940-45 including in College. He was the first of his On his return to Melbourne in Tobruk and retired as Lt Col MID. family to go to university, paving the 1967, Peter began a lifetime in In 2006, after 26 years of success in In 1946, following his marriage to way for his four siblings. neurosurgery: as head of unit at San Antonio, Greg took directorship Moira O’Collins, he obtained his Prince Henry’s for ten years, and as of the Vanderbilt Center in Bone FRCS (UK) and undertook post- Displaying manual and technical a senior lecturer in the Department Biology, as John A Oates Chair in graduate studies in the US. skills that he later drew on as a of Surgery at Royal Melbourne. A Translational Medicine and Professor surgeon, Peter carved models of vigorous and active member of the of Medicine, Pharmacology, Returning to Melbourne he received World War II aircraft and built department until his death, his Orthopedics and Cancer Biology. his FRACS and set up practice in crystal radio sets on which he teaching guided two generations That centre’s rapid success and Collins Street. Appointed honorary followed the progress of the war. He of Australian neurosurgeons. activity after such a very short time urologist at Prince Henry’s Hospital discovered the magazine, Popular Until his death he continued to are a standing tribute to him. in 1953 and the Repatriation Mechanics, and taught himself devour a broad range of scientific General Hospital in 1956, he was electronics constructing powerful literature. Each week he would His illness began in September, also president of the Australasian amplifiers housed in beautifully present the neurosurgery library at 2008, but he was full of ideas and Urological Society from 1961-1962. handcrafted cabinets. A car buff— the RMH with his annotated issues vitality throughout 2009, despite From 1967-1973 he was Adjoint there were always bodies of cars in of the scientific journals, Science increasing physical impairment. Delegate to the International the family backyard—Peter drove in and Nature. Consistent with the great character Urological Society and was a car rallies winning trophies with his and determination he showed in member of the editorial committees younger brother, Robin, as navigator. Peter presided over the all other aspects of his life, Greg of the British and Italian Journals Neurosurgical Society of Australasia lived through this illness with great of Urology. After graduating in medicine in (1983-84) and chaired the Board grace and dignity, helped by his 1957, he specialised in surgery of Neurosurgery (1982-85), and loving family. In 2008, the Austin Health and gained fellowship of the Royal spent ten years chairing the animal Urology Unit honoured Jim, Australasian College of Surgeons in ethics committees at Melbourne We offer our sincerest sympathy the pioneering urologist at the 1963. In 1964 he took out a Master University and the Ludwig Institute to Greg’s wife, Helen and children Repatriation General Hospital, with of Surgery which in many respects for Cancer Research. Gavin, Ben and Jennifer. the establishment of the Jim Peters defined him: it was a research Fellowship for Urological Research. degree of high quality and he To all his undertakings he brought T Jack Martin, MBBS 1960, MD practiced research-based medicine the highest ethical, technical and 1969, DSc 1979 For many years Jim enjoyed or surgery throughout his life. academic standards; he had a attending his specialty meetings in profound impact on the practice James Sturrock Peters Australia and overseas and valued An extraordinary anatomist, as of neurosurgery throughout 1913–2010 the friendship of his colleagues. senior lecturer in anatomy at the Australia and on the lives of Many of these friends visited him University of Melbourne in 1962, countless patients. Jim Peters, who died at home at his home in Melbourne or later he brought both a practicality and in Melbourne on the 28th of at his farm near Kilmore, where intense scientific interest to his Peter is survived by his wife September, was one of the last he was able to show them the teaching. Former students will Philippa, his daughters Susie and remaining MBBS 1937 graduates. family’s Angus cattle as well as the remember him with a freshly Liz, grandchildren Amelia, Lily, A keen sportsman in his university delightful native wildlife. harvested brain in one hand Gus, Hector and Harriet, his sister days he is pictured on the back and a pocketknife in the other, Adrienne, and brothers Richard dust-jacket of The Ties that Bind: Jim is survived by his wife and proceeding to dissect the brain with and Michael. His brother, Robin, A History of Sport at the University their family of five sons and three extraordinary skill and dexterity. predeceased him. of Melbourne hitting a six into the daughters – all university graduates. grounds at Ormond College in front His postgraduate training in Britain Andrew Kaye, MBBS 1973, MD 1989 of Trinity College wicket keeper, and Moira Peters, Jim Peters’ wife. was under Joe Pennybacker at and Adrienne Clarke, BSc 1959, PhD future historian, Manning Clark. the Radcliffe Infirmary in Oxford 1963 and Valentine Loague, at Queens

33 chiron In Brief twenty10

In Brief

Congratulations to alumni, friends, staff and students Frank Shann, Graham Brown and Garry Warne receive their Orders of Australia.

Colin R Abery (MBBS (Hons) malaria and through a range of Ian J Hopkins (MBBS (1957), Harry G Mond (MD 1975, MBBS 1960)—OAM for service to the professional, research and advisory MD 1962)—OAM for service to (Hons) 1966)—OAM for service to community through advocacy organisations. medicine as a paediatric neurologist medicine in the field of cardiology. and promotion of bowel cancer and through professional screening programs. Jack Cade (MBBS 1962, MD 1969, organisations. Richard O’Bryan (MBBS 1960, PhD 1970)—AM for service to GCertGPP 1998)—OAM for Nunda Anavekar (PhD 1976)— medicine in the field of intensive Terry Horgan (MBBS 1957)—OAM service to the community of St OAM for service to medicine, and to care as a clinician, researcher and for service to the community as a Kilda, particularly as a general the Indian community of Victoria. educator and through contributions fundraiser for Catholic charitable practitioner. to professional associations. organisations. James A Angus (Dean, Faculty Denis O’Day (MBBS 1960)— of Medicine, Dentistry & Health John Christodoulou (PhD 1990)— Robert M Jones (Department of honoured by Vanderbilt University Sciences)—AO for distinguished AM for service to human genetics, Surgery, Austin and Northern with the establishment of the Denis service to biomedical research, particularly the metabolic disorders Health)—AM for service to medicine O’Day Chair in Ophthalmology and particularly in the fields of of children as a researcher and as a surgeon, researcher and author, Visual Sciences pharmacology and cardiovascular clinician. particularly in the area of liver disease, as a leading academic transplantation laparoscopic surgery, Trevor E Olsen (BMedSc 1969)— and medical educator, and as a John R Crellin (MBBS 1964)— as a mentor and through support for AM for service to medicine as contributor to a range of national OAM for service to medicine as an organ donation programs. a clinical haematologist and as and international advisory boards administrator and practitioner, and an advocate for advances in the and professional organisations. to the community of Wonthaggi. Merilyn J Liddel (MBBS 1971)—AM management and treatment of for service to tertiary education and leukaemia. Elizabeth Blackburn (BSc 1970, Anthony L Cunningham (MBBS administration, particularly in the MSc 1972)—Awarded the 2009 1972, BMedSc 1971, MD 1984)—AO discipline of medicine, and to cross- George R Santoro (MBBS 1962)— Nobel Prize for Medicine for her for service to medicine, particularly cultural exchange and co-operation AO for service to medicine through discovery of the role of telomeres in the field of viral research with Malaysia. contributions to a wide range of and telomerase in cell division. and through the development advisory and professional bodies, and leadership of medical and Keith J Lipshut (MBBS 1943)— and to the Italian community. Les Bolitho (MBBS 1973)—AM for biomedical research. OAM for service to the community service to medicine as a clinician of Wangaratta, and as a general David F Scott (Department of and educator and through the John A Fuller (MBBS 1953)—OAM practitioner. Surgery, St Vincent's Hospital)— development of rural and regional for service to medicine, particularly AM for service to medicine as a health services in north east in the treatment of coronary artery Sarah Lonie (Fourth year student) pioneer in the field of transplant Victoria. disease. —Won first prize in the National surgery and through executive roles Health and Medical Research in professional organisations. Fabio R Brecciaroli (PG DipPallMed John Hamilton (PhD 1967, Council Student Research 2000)—OAM for service to Department of Medicine Competition, for her project looking Frank A Shann (MBBS 1968, MD medicine, particularly through the Royal Melbourne and Western at the possible links between heart 1985)—AM for service to medicine provision of palliative care services, Hospitals)—Awarded the 2010 rate variability, depression and heart as a paediatrician, particularly as a and to the community of the Australian Rheumatology failure. leader in intensive care for children, Sunshine Coast. Association Distinguished Service through contributions to the World Medal. Patrick D McGorry (MD 2002, Health Organisation and to rural Peter M Brooks (Director, Australian Chair, Centre for Youth Mental medicine, and as an advocate for Health Workforce Institute)—AM Timothy D Hannah (BSc 1968, Health)—AO for distinguished child health. for service to medicine, particularly MBBS 1974)—OAM for service to service to medicine and to mental in the field of rheumatology, as an medicine as a general practitioner health as a leading clinician, William Shi (Final year student)— academic, researcher and clinician. in the Katherine region. researcher and scientist, through Won third prize in the National innovative reform of services, Health and Medical Research Graham V Brown (MBBS 1970, PhD Andrew Hill (Department of and the development of national Council Student Research 1983, Foundation Director, Nossal Biochemistry and Molecular programs to support youth and Competition, for his study on the Institute for Global Health)—AM Biology)—Awarded the Merck raise public awareness. Professor impact of surgical training on for service to medicine in the field Research Excellence Medal for McGorry was also named Victoria’s patients’ outcomes. of infectious diseases, particularly biochemists or molecular biologists. Australian of the Year for 2010.

34 Christine G Tippett (MBBS (Hons) 2009 Deans Honour’s List – Semester 12 1969)—AM for service to medicine, particularly through executive roles Linny Phuong Henry Zhao with professional organisations, KaiEn Leong Dalveer Singh to improved health care standards Anna Kate Watts Krithika Murali for women and their families, and Sarah Wongseelashote Kah-Lok Chan to obstetrics and gynaecology as a Kelly Janette Morton Celina Jin clinician and mentor. Priyal Rama Asary Kanae Jennifer Nagao Kristie Fan Anneke Liesbeth Engwerda Garry L Warne (MBBS 1968, Nathan Jun Yew Wong Felix Wiyanto Sim Department of Paediatrics, Royal Christine Liauw Mandrawa Sarah Helen Coghill Children's Hospital)—AM for George Stanley Heriot Anthony Rotman service to medicine in the field of Lucinda Johnson Verco paediatric endocrinology, and to the improvement of child health care and infrastructure in developing 2009 Undergraduate Medical Student Prizes and Awards countries. Australian Medical Association Prize—Jennifer Nagao Karl David Yeomans Prize—Khai Chai & Elizabeth Paratz Greg Whelan (MD 1978, St Vincent's Clara Myers Prize in Surgical Paediatrics—James Hillis Katharine Woodruff Memorial Prize – Palliative Medicine— and Geelong Clinical Schools)—AM Donovan Johnston Memorial Scholarship Fund—Karissa Ludwig, Hui Yin Lim for service to medicine, particularly Fariha Islam, Jocelyn Chan, Bejoy Machumpurath, Maya Reddy, Keith Levi Prize—Jennifer Nagao in the fields of gastroenterology, Hannah Meye, Rowena Silcock, Anna Steer Max Kohane Prize—Naomi Clarke hepatology and addiction, through Dr Kate Campbell Prize—Amy Williamson Neil Johnston Prize—Henry Yao academic and executive roles. Dwight’s Prize in Integrated Clinical Studies—Andres Del Rio Prize in Clinical Gynaecology—Ruoxin Tsui ESJ King Prize—Ouli Xie RACGP Victoria Faculty Prize—Christine Mandrawa Saul Wiener (MD 1960, PhD 1953, Edgar and Mabel Coles Prize—Vivien Gu RANZCOG Women’s Health Award—Lai Yin Law MBBS 1947)—AM for service to Edgar Rouse Prize—Dalveer Singh Robert Gartly Healy Prize in Medicine—Jennifer Nagao science, and to medical research Fulton Prize—Vivien Gu Robert Gartly Healy Prize in Obstetrics—Varun Arora through contributions to the GA Syme Exhibition—Gina Smith & Sarah Marks Robert Gartly Healy Prize in Surgery—Andres Del Rio development of the Redback Spider Geoffrey Royal Prize in Clinical Surgery—Sandeep Arunothayaraj Robert Yee Prize in Medicine—Pei Lew and Stonefish antivenom, and as an Geriatric Medicine (Aged Care) Prize—KeiEn Leong Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists’ allergist. GlaxoSmithKline Semester 5 Prize—Ouli Xie Prize—Kenneth Buxey Harold Attwood Prize in Pathology—Andres Del Rio Royal Children’s Hospital Paediatric Handbook Award— Alexander D Wodak (MBBS Hedley F Summons Prize (for Otolaryngology)—Luke Campbell Jeremy Chin 1970)—AM for service to medicine Herbert Bower Memorial Prize—Dalveer Singh Sir Albert Coates Prize—Ouli Xie and public health, particularly Herman Lawrence Prize in Clinical Dermatology—Ryan De Cruz Smith and Nephew Prize—Timothy Papaluca in the area of drug and alcohol Howard E Williams Prize—Matthew Guest The Ilana Rischin Award for Outstanding Achievement by an dependency treatment, through Ian Johnston Prize in Reproductive Medicine/Biology—Vivien Gu International Student in Medicine —KaiEn Leong legislative reform, and to medical James Stewart Bequest—Ouli Xie, Edward Buratto & Sandeep Therapeutic Guidelines Award—Kah-Lok Chan education. Rakhra Vernon Collins Prize in Paediatrics—Jennifer Nagao Jamieson Prize—Jennifer Nagao Victorian Metropolitan Alliance Prize in General Practice— Ying-Yan Zhu (Fourth year John Adey Prize in Psychiatry—Dalveer Singh KaiEn Leong student)—Won second prize in John Cade Memorial Medal in Clinical Psychiatry—Yvonne Chow Walter & Eliza Hall Exhibition –Niles Nelson the National Health and Medical Research Council Student Research Competition, for her project Past Prize Winners examining why certain arteries produce better results than others In preparation for the Melbourne Medical School’s 150th anniversary in 2012, we are in the process of when used as conduits to carry compiling a list of all medical student prize winners since the school’s inception. So far, we have a fairly blood around blockages in the heart. comprehensive list of prize winners from the 1800s to 1951 and from 1984 to date. We would really like to fill this big gap stretching over the decades of the ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s and into the ‘80s, and would be most grateful to hear from any prize-winning alumni who can enlighten us.

If you can help please contact: Liz Brentnall on: T: (+61 3) 8344 5325 or E: [email protected]

35 chiron In Brief twenty10

Books

Double Helix, Double Joy Books can be purchased on line at www.mup. through the trust which bears her name, David Danks: The Father of Clinical Genetics com.au or at Readings. $10 from each book Changing Minds, Changing Lives is a history in Australia sold goes to the MCRI. of this pioneering doctor and her inspiring By Carolyn Rasmussen with Alister Danks, successors, written by Joan Waters for the Miegunyah Press, 2010, hardback, rrp $49.99 Making Waves University of Melbourne’s Department Medicine, Public Health, Universities and of Paediatrics. Launched in August by the Governor of Beyond Victoria, Professor David de Krester, this By David Penington, Miegunyah Press, 2010, The Vera Scantlebury Brown Memorial Trust new biography of the late Professor David hardback, rrp $69.99 was created in 1946 to honour Victoria’s first Danks reveals his tremendous gift to genetic Director of Maternal, Infant and Pre-school research. Inspired to know ‘why a disease had An account of a leader who has never Welfare, and has since provided scholarships occurred’ and ‘how it could be anticipated and shunned public controversy, David Penington for professional women serving mothers prevented’, Danks once said that ‘every genetic chronicles his ethos, drive and the highs and and young children in Victoria in the fields disease is an experiment of nature’. lows of his life as one of Australia’s leading of public health, social welfare and early public health experts. childhood services. In a public lecture titled Double Beginning his career at St Vincent’s Hospital The book tells of the establishment of the trust Helix, Double Joy, in Melbourne in the 1970s, Penington fostered and recounts the stories of the 44 women Danks conveyed new medical research specialty areas in who have received its scholarships and their the inspiration haematology, medical ontology, endocrinology, varied contributions to the welfare of children he received from gastroenterology and later neurology and renal in Victoria in the areas of public policy, child the developments disease – strategic developments for a public protection, advocacy, education and research. cascading from hospital at this time. A commemoration of Dr Scantlebury Brown’s Watson and Crick’s leadership in the development of female health initial discovery At the University of Melbourne, he was professionals, Changing Minds, Changing Lives of DNA and his Professor and then Dean of the Faculty of is timely reminder of the ongoing need for Double Helix, Double happiness about the Medicine, before becoming Vice-Chancellor research into child welfare and health. Joy chronicles the life ‘immense benefits’ from 1988 to 1995. During his tenure, he of David Danks, one of this breakthrough strongly resisted major government intrusion A limited amount of copies are available Australia’s pioneering would have for people into the operations of universities, while at the for purchase. Contact Andi Janszgallent clinical geneticists generally, explaining, same time reforming the education, research at [email protected] for ‘even from its infancy and management practices at the University more information. it was apparent that the double helix was of Melbourne. going to change not only science, but also the Calling Medical Professionals community’s image of science’. The book gives a fascinating insight into Penington’s 20 years at the forefront of MS Australia (in the ACT, NSW and Victoria) Professor Danks trained with pioneers of national public health policy, including four is seeking participants for a project that aims human genetics in London and Baltimore years chairing the National AIDS Task Force to assess the growing needs of people living when the science was barely known in for the Hawke government. In 1984, he was with multiple sclerosis (MS). Australia. After his discovery of the cause Chair of the National Committee of Inquiry of Menkes disease in 1972 he developed a into a dispute between the government and In 2011, the organisation will be conducting talented multi-disciplinary research team the medical profession over public hospitals, a series of interviews with people with MS, focussed on the identification and treatment which was key to the implementation of the their family members and carers. They are of genetic diseases affecting newborns. Dame Medicare system. He has also worked for the also interested in speaking with medical Elisabeth Murdoch embraced his vision and Red Cross, including seven years as Chair of professionals who see people living with MS helped him launch the Murdoch Institute for the National Blood Transfusion Committee. so they can consider how MS Australia may Research into Birth Defects in 1986, where he better support these service providers. implemented his vision of unfettered scientific Making Waves details the fascinating story research wedded to clinical practice and of one of Australia’s most prominent agents Overall, the project will help to ensure that services to public health. of change. MS Australia continues to deliver the essential services required by the MS community, now Danks’ legacy reaches beyond the Murdoch Changing Minds, Changing Lives and into the future. institute to the establishment of clinical The Legacy of the Vera Scantlebury Brown genetics services throughout Australia, the Memorial Trust For further information, or to volunteer internationally acclaimed POSSUM database, By Joan Waters, University of Melbourne, to participate, please contact the Project and the next generation of researchers who 2010, rrp $25.00 Manager, Megan Varlow on 02 9646 0636 or continue to explore and expand his vision. [email protected] Celebrating the work of Dr Vera Scantlebury Brown and her continuing influence

36 The Physick Gardener

When medicine was first taught to students the London firm of chemists. The intertwined at the University of Melbourne in the 1860s, origins of the doctor and apothecary, with botany was an important subject in the their venerated patron saints St Cosmas and St curriculum – all students were required Damian, provide a rationale for the museum’s to learn about herbs and their medicinal acquisition of the Savory and Moore pharmacy, applications. This practice derived from which arrived in Melbourne in 1971 where it the sixteenth century European tradition of was re-assembled according to photographs of attaching gardens to medical faculties, which the Chapel Street, Belgravia interior. was subsequently emulated in England from the early seventeenth century.

The role played by the study of botany in the history of medicine was illustrated by an exhibition marking the re-opening of the Medical History Museum upon completion of renovations to the Brownless Medical Libarary, entitled, ‘The Physick Gardener: Aspects of the Apothecary’s World from the Collections of the University of Melbourne’. Above: Italian spouted jar for oil of mint (date The impetus for this exhibition was the uncertain), earthenware and wood. Gift of the estate generous gift of a group of ceramic drug jars of Graham Roseby, 2009. and copper alloy mortars and pestles from Left: Italian jar (19th century), earthenware. Russell the estate of Graham Roseby. We were also and Mab Grimwade Bequest, 1973. Transferred from able to borrow from the Baillieu Library’s the University of Melbourne Art Collection, 1988. Special Collections, Print Collection and East Asian Collection, the University of Melbourne Herbarium in the School of Botany, and the Established in 1967, the Medical History Ian Potter Museum of Art. Museum’s collection numbers more than 6000 items. It is one of 31 collections It is a remarkable tribute to the University’s which form part of the University of cultural acumen that the exhibition was The richness and depth of the University’s Melbourne’s astonishingly rich cultural curated entirely from six of its own collections cultural heritage is evidenced in the objects capital. The museum’s collection has on the historic Parkville campus. The items which comprised The Physick Gardener. We largely been acquired through public- on display served to illustrate the tools of the are very grateful to Alison Roseby and her spirited donors, many of who have had apothecary’s practice – through the plants family for their generous donation of Graham a professional or student relationship cultivated in the ‘physick garden’ such as Roseby’s collection, and for their contribution with the University’s medical teaching that in Chelsea in London, and at Oxford; the to the work of the Medical History Museum. program, or a fascination with the sturdy mortars in which the dried elements I would also like to thank the University’s history of medicine. of those plants were ground by pestles; the Cultural and Community Relations Advisory herbals or illustrated manuals which outlined Group and its chairman, Professor Warren We encourage medical alumni to the uses and benefits of the botanical species Bebbington, for supporting the publication become involved in the development of grown by the apothecary; the pharmacopoeias of the exhibition catalogue; the Russell and the Medical History Museum collection of instructions for the manufacture of Mab Grimwade Miegunyah Fund for the and the documentation of the history remedies and herbal medicines; and the conservation of drug jars and documents in of the Melbourne Medical School. If ornate drug jars in which the apothecary the collection of the Museum; John Coppock you would like to contribute materials would store preparations. of Pharmaceutical Defence Ltd for his or information to the University’s assistance towards the exhibition photography; repository of medical history and culture, The Physick Gardener also provided a context and Sir Andrew Grimwade who has provided please contact either Susie Shears on for the Medical History Museum’s nineteenth information on the Grimwade family. (+61 3) 8344 9935 or: sshears@unimelb. century pharmacy, a faithful reconstruction edu.au or Liz Brentnall on (+61 3) 8344 of the Belgravia branch of Savory and Moore, Susie Shears, Curator, Medical History Museum 5325 or: [email protected]

37 chiron twenty10

This beautiful image was hand drawn by Maggie Mackie, then assistant editor and designer of the magazine. The picture is of Chiron the Centaur, the mythological being who in classical Greece was known as the master and teacher of all the healing arts, and who is namesake and emblem of this publication.