Former Townsville University Hospital director of anaesthetics Vic Callanan dies

A titan of medicine and the founding father of anaesthesia, hyperbaric medicine, pain medicine, and intensive care services in North Queensland has died. See what you can thank him for.

The Townsville Hospital’s lion of anaesthetics Dr Vic Callanan when he retired after more than 40 years at the hospital. Credit: Ian Hitchcock

A titan of medicine and the founding father of anaesthesia, hyperbaric medicine, pain medicine, and intensive care services in North Queensland has died.

Townsville University Hospital’s former director of anaesthetics Associate Professor Vic Callanan, who retired in 2015, died on Friday and is being remembered as a “leader, visionary, educator, mentor, role model, and friend to many”.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service chief executive Keiran Keyes said the hospital community was in mourning.

Mr Keyes said even in retirement, Professor Callanan had continued to be involved in the anaesthesia department as part of the specialists’ ongoing professional development.

“He was universally acknowledged as both a gentleman and a gentle man,” Mr Keyes said.

Doctor Vic Callanan when he celebrated 40 years as an anaesthetist at The Townsville Hospital.

He added that Professor Callanan’s contributions, both national and international, to anaesthesia, resuscitation and marine envenomation were unmatched.

“A pioneer in the management of jellyfish envenomation, Vic was involved in the development of the original stinger suit,” he said.

The Townsville Hospital’s lion of anaesthetics Dr Vic Callanan when he retired after more than 40 years at the hospital. Credit: Ian Hitchcock

“He was among the first to advocate for the use of vinegar in the treatment of jellyfish sting, a first-aid response that is now burned into the national consciousness.”

TUH director of anaesthesia Dr Chris Butler, who first met Professor Callanan 37 years ago as a first-year intern at the former Townsville General Hospital, said his former boss, mentor and friend was in a class of his own.

“Vic was a role model and mentor for many young anaesthetists and his warmth, humanity and approachability were an example for us all,” he said.

“He was an inspirational leader and visionary and he is the reason I am an anaesthetist today.”

Townsville Hospital's Dr Vic Callanan, when he stepped down from the directorship of the anaesthetics department, for clinical work.

Professor Callanan was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2005 and honoured as a Consultant Emeritus in 2017.

He served as the Australian Resuscitation Council chairman, was a member of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation, Adjunct Associate Professor at James Cook University, and Honorary Medical Officer of both the Arcadian and Picnic Bay Surf Lifesaving Clubs.

He also served on the Townsville Hospital Foundation (now Brighter Lives) board.

Professor Callanan was awarded the Australian Resuscitation Council Medal in 2011 and the ANZCA Medal in 2013 for his contribution to the status of anaesthesia, intensive care, and pain medicine.

When Dr Vic Callanan was named an Australia Day Award recipient. Picture: Scott Radford-Chisholm sr311120

Dr Butler said Professor Callanan was a humble and generous man, despite the accolades.

“There are countless doctors, nurses, and others at this hospital and beyond who are the lucky beneficiaries of his genius and grace,” Dr Butler said.

Mr Keyes offered his sincere condolences to Professor Callanan’s wife, Doreen, and family.

“Vic started out in medicine at a time when working nights, weekends and public holidays were a way of life,” he said.

“He was always actively involved in the life of the hospital and always looking to the future.

“I want to acknowledge and thank Doreen as well as Vic’s extended family for sharing him with us and with the patients he looked after so well.

“We will miss him.”

Originally published as Former Townsville University Hospital director of anaesthetics Vic Callanan dies