This was a posting in Australian Doctor this week sent to me by Jim Markos.
GP remembered as ‘extraordinary’ doctor after death in cycling accident
Tributes have poured in for Dr Mark Henschke
Carmel Sparke, Australian Doctor Magazine.
29 November 2022
Prominent GP Dr Mark Henschke has been remembered as an “extraordinary” clinician and the “heart and soul” of local medical training following his death after a tragic cycling accident.
Doctors, patients and fellow medical educators have paid tribute to the retired GP, who died last week after being critically injured in a collision with a garbage truck while cycling.
The 72-year-old practised for most of his career as a GP obstetrician in Armidale in north-east NSW, before moving to Coffs Harbour where he taught medical students.
In a staff memo, UNSW Dean of Medicine and Health Dr Vlado Perkovic and Deputy Dean and Head of School of Clinical Medicine Professor Adrienne Torda said he was dedicated to improving the health and lives of countless people.
“As a local GP, Mark also had a special interest in children’s health, obstetrics and medical education, and his leadership, commitment and passion in these fields as a clinician has been extraordinary.”
Dr Perkovic said Dr Henschke had been the “heart and soul” of the Coffs Harbour rural campus since 2009.
“Mark has been an extraordinary leader, clinician, collaborator, and friend to many of us,” he said.
GP Dr Bruce Menzies, who worked with Dr Henschke at a practice in Armidale also shared his grief at his former colleague’s passing.
“He was loved in the community and will be very sadly missed,” Dr Menzies said on ABC News.
In the accident, Dr Henschke was cycling with friends when he was involved in a collision with a garbage truck on 10 November.
He was taken to Coffs Harbour Hospital with serious lower limb injuries, then transferred to the Gold Coast University Hospital, where he died almost two weeks later.
Armidale resident Simon Scott was among the many patients who praised Dr Henschke, recalling the time he turned up to deliver his son Fletcher in his tennis whites 19 years ago.
“It was a very hot February Armidale afternoon, he ran in in his whites, got straight into delivery mode and helped deliver a healthy boy,” said Mr Scott.
Patients also filled a local newspaper’s Facebook page with tributes.
“Brilliant doctor, wonderful, kind man. Would not be here but for him. Saved me and my babies life,” said one.
“Dr Henschke was my doctor for many years and helped me through some very calamitous times in my life. Cannot express how sad this news is. He was a true gentleman with a heart of gold,” wrote another.
Dr Henschke is survived by his wife Leonie Henschke and three children, including Dr Luke Henschke, an orthopaedic surgeon and Dr Alice Henschke, an intensive care specialist.
In 2006, Dr Henschke was awarded an OAM for his services to medicine as a GP and to the community.
Comments:
Dr Roslyn Bayliss
General Practitioner
SAWTELL, NSW
He was, seriously, loved by all. He was the most gentle, wise, friendly doctor I know. RIP
