Emeritus Professor David Wattchow AM CUniv

BMBS ’80, PhD(Med) ’89, CUniversity ’16

By Kate Holland

 

Since he began studying medicine at Flinders University 50 years ago, Emeritus Professor David Wattchow AM CUniv has never stopped asking questions. In the process of seeking answers, he’s undertaken numerous groundbreaking activities.

He’s had a remarkable medical career for someone who initially aspired to move back to the country. When he realised farming wasn’t feasible for him, training as a country GP gained appeal and he signed up to study at Flinders.

“I enrolled in the new medical course at Flinders University commencing in 1974, in the inaugural class,” says Emeritus Professor Wattchow. “We graduated in 1980 and I was awarded the Flinders University Medal which has a medallion inscribed with a picture of the Greek god Prometheus who, legend has it, brought the gift of knowledge from the gods to mankind.”

He never did make it back to the country as a GP but has savoured the gift of knowledge ever since – during his internship, training in medicine, doing a PhD, and as a surgeon. His impressive career saw him become a Senior Consultant in Surgery, Clinical Director of General and Digestive Surgery and heavily involved in trauma care at the Flinders Medical Centre.

Emeritus Professor Wattchow says the unique model established at Flinders by Professor Gus Fraenkel, the Foundation Chair and Dean of the School of Medicine, put it ahead of its time and was influential in his success. The model, which has continued to this day, combines clinical medicine (patient care) with research and teaching.

He believes strongly in the importance of mentors, thanking Professor Paul O’Brien (an academic surgeon), Dr Neil McIntosh (an accomplished general surgeon) and in science Professors Costa, Furness and Brookes for their encouragement. “Professor O’Brien encouraged me to undertake a PhD in science which led to great collaborations with scientists and the development of critical thinking.”

To study at a time where there was no rush to specialise was fortunate, according to Emeritus Professor Wattchow, who believes you can lose something in narrowing too early. He was able to explore other areas such as neurosurgery before developing his expertise in general/gastrointestinal surgery.

He says his path to becoming a general surgeon was a very gradual progression. It was when general surgery became sub-specialised that he went into colorectal surgery.

“It was useful to have trained widely in medicine and surgery so I could deal with most problems and advise or help in parallel areas of medicine throughout my career.”

 

A Long List of Achievements

Emeritus Professor Wattchow worked alongside senior scientists to establish a world-class anorectal investigation laboratory.

“Rudimentary studies of the mechanism of the anus and rectum were already established when I was appointed,” he says. “Over time, ultrasound and nerve studies were developed and I obtained, and paid for, the equipment for doing these. We combined them all in a single setting.”

In 2016, he was made a Companion of the University, which he says came out of the blue and was most humbling, especially when he found out he was the only graduate of medicine to be awarded university companionship. Then he was made a Member of the Order of Australia – again unexpectedly.

While these awards were indeed personal highlights, Emeritus Professor Wattchow also lists surgical experiences such as draining an extradural haematoma in a young boy, and seeing the eventual accomplishments of those he has assisted in their training, as especially rewarding.

 

Giving Back

Not only did Emeritus Professor Wattchow savour the gift of knowledge, but he continually sought more and strove to share it. He was able to travel with his work and learn from experts in the field, which he says was a boon.

“One can truly appreciate an expert when you see them in action. I undertook two periods of sabbatical and travelled to visit centres in North America (Mayo, New York, Cleveland, Vancouver) and Europe (University of Bologna Italy, St Marks, London and University of Lund, Sweden). Those trips gave me new knowledge in areas of science and surgery, which I brought back to Flinders University/Medical Centre. I also attended, chaired and presented at many national and international conferences.”

He has supervised 11 higher degree students and examined many more. “Each was a lot of work. But new knowledge was generated and led to students graduating with the solidity of a tangible thesis. I can only hope they might now follow in my footsteps,” he says. Whatever they choose to do, he advises that they immerse themselves in the journey.

Beyond the skills and knowledge that Emeritus Professor Wattchow has contributed to the world of medicine over the past 50 years, he has also donated over two million dollars to research efforts. Much of this money was made by personal endeavour and hard work, largely by treating private patients, for which the University is incredibly grateful. Recipients include the Lindon Wing Research Fund which fosters innovations in clinical science, the Matthew Flinders Scholarship which provides financial support for students in need, and the Neurogastroenterology and Motility Fund.

The Emeritus Professor Wattchow and Margaret Wattchow Research Travel Grant, which he established with his wife, is helping to advance neuroscience research at the University. The annual $1,000 grant supports one higher degree student or early career researcher to travel and explore new ideas in this field and to bring their knowledge back to the University.

 

Upon Reflection

Despite his extraordinary achievements (many more than can be included in this article), Emeritus Professor Wattchow considers himself rather ordinary.

“I had a stimulating career, helped many patients and students, and worked with good colleagues (in medicine and in science). I enjoyed dealing with people – generally at a vulnerable time in their lives. I also found the physical act of operating very satisfying, as were new discoveries. And I’m most proud of my stable family with my wife Margaret and my now independent children,” says Emeritus Professor Wattchow.

“I am grateful I was able to complete a career in surgery that was demanding, and to combine this with a career in science. I only regret the time involved – but I bet Roger Federer spent a lot of time on the tennis court practising.”

Emeritus Professor Wattchow can remember his first day at Flinders University, 50 years ago, like it was yesterday. He saw a lot of changes throughout his career and says they were for the better – as was remaining adaptive and open minded. He recommends this approach. After all, as the saying goes, ‘the only evidence of life is change’.

“Keep asking questions. Have faith it’ll work out and take more holidays, so you’re refreshed for the job!” Given his illustrious career, this is all advice worth noting.