June 2004

College recognises a handy Austin surgeon

The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons has recognised Austin Health’s Director of Cardiac Surgery Professor Brian Buxton with an Award for Excellence in Surgery at the annual scientific congress in Melbourne.

The ambidextrous professor has made many contributions to the clinical care of cardiac surgery patients and pioneered the use of arterial bypass grafts for coronary surgery in Australia.

His surgical, research and academic endeavours have contributed significantly to the high standing of Australia on the international cardio-thoracic map.

Professor Buxton joined Austin Health as a senior cardio-thoracic surgeon in 1978 and was appointed Professor/Director of Cardiac Surgery in 1991.

He developed several innovative techniques, such as the introduction of other grafts and techniques for arterial revascularisation, that are recognised world-wide, as is his research to guide surgeons in assessing the success rate for internal thoracic arteries.

Professor Buxton said among the fascinating experiences in his 39 years of surgery was touring and working in Vietnam in 1969 with Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop, who also funded some research at Austin Hospital.

He also said the ‘golden age of surgery has passed’ and that pharmacologic and molecular development is the way of the future.

‘Surgery will be a last ditch effort, for when no other method is successful.’

Professor Buxton has been a guest speaker at 261 presentations around the world.

A dedicated editorial department at the Austin caters for his extensive written work—he has published 162 articles in peer-reviewed journals, 41 book chapters and 76 abstract presentations.