Dr.
Austin was a big built surgeon, who reminded us of Sir Lanceolot Spratt, of
Carry on Doctor Series fame. He literally terrified us, by his big voice and
blustery manner. The students would be there for the appointment early, as he
was a stickler for discipline. During the ward rounds, the surgeon and ward
sister would lead the way, followed by the SHO, Intern and then the students
would follow in order of protocol. If this order was broken there would be
immediate censure.
One
day he was waiting for the lift with his retinue. When the cabin of the lift
arrived, one of the impetuous students stepped hurriedly, to get into the lift.
Dr.Austin put his hand out and grabbed the student by the collar, from behind.
He then told him “Senioris Prioris”, and let him wait outside the lift,
for the next trip of the cabin.
He
once threw one of our batches out for some misdemeanor. One of our unnamed
batchmates, promised, to his disbelieving colleagues, that he would get matters
rectified, by approaching Dr.Austin’s wife, through a third party. It was done
and a relieved batch, restarted the appointment the following day.
I
also have heard of an incident where a patient was being prepared for a spinal
anaesthesia in the OT, for an appendicectomy. Seeing all the instruments, the
patient got down from the table and wanted to run away from there. The Surgeon
caught him by his neck and pushed him down on the table, saying ‘Lie down you
coward’, when the mask was applied by the anaesthetist. The patient went into
sweet oblivion inhaling the Chloroform and was operated on for an appendicitis.
An inflamed appendix about to perforate, was removed. The patient was ever
grateful to the surgeon. A perforated appendix was a literal death warrant
those days.
Dr. Austin had a 4 wheel drive
Austin Gypsy and a trailer caravan. He used to go to Yala and Wilpatthu, our
wildlife sanctuaries of those days. I heard that he was very simple and good
fun during those trips.
He
died subsequently of renal failure.
Oldies recall - One every day
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Oldies recall - One every day
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That’s Amore
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