MOUNT Gambier resident general surgeon Matthias Wichmann is the toast of the state’s medical fraternity after being awarded with a prestigious award.
In a surprise announcement at Mount Gambier Hospital on Wednesday, Associate Professor Wichmann was presented with a Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) Outstanding Service to the Community Award.
Mr Wichmann – who has been a pivotal specialist as well as a key educator and supervisor of medical students – has been honoured for his “extraordinary” South East health contribution.
Originally hailing from Germany, Mr Wichmann has also been at the forefront of research and an author of a string of medical publications recognised around the world.
Not only is Mr Wichmann held in high esteem among the region’s medical workforce, he has also played a key role in growing the hospital’s connectivity within the community.
He recently headlined a bowel cancer information session in Mount Gambier and was one of the medical staff who hit the dance floor to raise money at the hospital’s charity ball on the weekend.
A tireless campaigner for improved services and an emphatic and caring surgeon, Mr Wichmann hopes to one day see a hospice established in Mount Gambier.
Stunned and humbled by the award yesterday, Mr Wichmann said his family were happy they had migrated to Mount Gambier 12 years ago – a world away from Germany.
“Working in Mount Gambier has been a pleasure and this award is a very great surprise,” Mr Wichmann said.
RACS state committee chair Dr Phil Worley presented Mr Wichmann with the award in front of a room overflowing with hospital staff, family and friends.
Dr Worley described Mr Wichmann’s contribution to the South East community as “extraordinary”.
The prominent surgeon has been a pivotal figure over the past 12 years in rebuilding surgical services in the region, which were on “shaky ground” in the early 2000s.
“The community did not see the hospital as their hospital,” Dr Worley said.
“There was a disconnect between those requiring health services and those providing them.”
He said the arrival of Mr Wichmann proved to be instrumental and led to the establishment of a state-of-the-art colorectal practice in Mount Gambier.
Mr Wichmann also convened a multidisciplinary team to serve Mount Gambier’s cancer patients.
Mount Gambier Hospital Health Advisory Council presiding member Maureen Klintberg said the Mount Gambier community was privileged to have Mr Wichmann working at the hospital.
“Mr Wichmann engages with the community in ways that contribute to the improvement of the health outcomes for South East residents,” Ms Klintberg said.
“Last year he sought ways to increase community awareness of health service needs and was instrumental in securing a donation of $10,000 from a local Rotary club to purchase a portable ECG machine for the renal dialysis unit.”
Ms Klintberg said Mount Gambier residents were increasingly appreciative and thankful to have Mr Wichmann as a member of our community.
“Many are benefiting from not only his skills as a surgeon, but also the outcomes of his time given to improve health outcomes now and in the future,” she said.
Flinders University Parallel Rural Community Curriculum program administrator Jacqui Michalski said Mr Wichmann was held in high esteem as both a talented teacher and individual.
“He is a true leader of our community, he has wholeheartedly embraced this community raising his family here and building his home” Ms Michalski said.
“Without people of this calibre in our community, we would not be able to provide the medical care and bring on the next generation of rural doctors.”
Mount Gambier Mayor Andrew Lee also thanked Mr Wichmann for his dedication to the regional community.
