ANZCA Bulletin June 2011 - Australian and New Zealand College of ...

Inevitably, with such a talent we
couldn’t keep him all to ourselves and
in time he undertook a small private
practice. Over a number of no doubt
challenging and, we would guess,
sometimes late-night clinical situations
at Warringal Hospital, he developed an
enduring professional relationship and
friendship with Malcolm Douglas,
a general surgeon.
Johann was well read professionally
and maintained a strong academic
interest in anaesthesia. His particular
interest was in quality assurance
in health care and he managed this
portfolio for many years for our
department. He coordinated audit,
professional development meetings and
followed up on the delicate matter of
adverse clinical incidents, always with
a gentle diplomacy. Throughout his
career, he remained very interested in
teaching and was universally regarded
by anaesthesia trainees as both an
excellent mentor and a delight to
work with.
Faced with an illness that was a
challenge of ultimately insurmountable
odds, he set about staying as well as
possible for as long as possible despite
the need for difficult painful treatments
day after day, month after month and
year after year. While watching this
struggle, we took some small solace
in the knowledge that his operative,
medical, nursing and ultimately
palliative care was the best available
anywhere in the world and was provided
with kindness and love.
For Johann was, far above all else,
a family man. He fought his illness long
enough to see Allegra and Ronan grow
to the really great kids they are today
and to see Byron establish a highly
successful career in the armed forces
that made him burst with pride. He
ensured that his family’s future was
secure and that they had, as much as
can ever be possible, come to terms with
his dreadful illness. Most importantly,
he fought to have as many good times
with his family as possible in the time
available. A trip to Hamilton Island
and a central Australian adventure
were notable examples. Of course he
didn’t fight alone and the support and
love given to him by all his family, but
especially his wife and soul mate Kerry,
has been nothing short of superhuman.
Even after watching in awe firsthand,
none of us can fully appreciate the
courage and strength required to assist
a loved one through such a time.
To all Johann’s family, most
especially Kerry, Byron, Allegra and
Ronan, on behalf of all who knew and
loved him at Austin Health, express our
deepest condolences. He was a friend
and colleague like no other. Thank you
for sharing him with us. We’ll miss
him always.
Dr David Tremewen, FANZCA
Associate Professor Larry McNicol
FRCA, FANZCA
ANZCA Bulletin June 2011 109