Medical Role Models from our ANZAC history
With ANZAC Day upon us, it seemed appropriate to reflect on the service and sacrifice that they made to allow us the liberties we enjoy today.
The first Australian to be awarded a Victoria Cross was a Surgeon named Sir Neville Howse VC. He served and a soldier-surgeon in the Boer War with the NSW Army Medical Corps. Captain (Sir) Neville Howse displayed conspicuous gallantry at Vredefort, South Africa, on 24 July 1900, when he ventured onto the battlefield, under intense enemy fire, to rescue a wounded soldier. Even though his horse was shot out from under him, Captain Howse continued on foot, to treat the soldier’s wounds and bring him to safety. His Victoria Cross was gazetted on 4 June 1901; he remains the only Australian from a Medical Corps to have received such an honour. Captain Howse epitomised the values of the Royal Australian Army Medical Corps (RAAMC): self-sacrifice, caring and perseverance.
Reading stories of inspirational figures like Captain (Sir) Neville Howse remind us of the qualities they represent. It reminds us of their courage in the face of adversity, to place others before ourselves and to never, ever give up. These are lessons for us all no matter what role we play in our society. As a Surgeon I am honoured to be able to make a difference to my patient’s lives through my craft. I just hope I remember the lessons of my predecessors every day and not just on ANZAC Day. The values they represent are the values I would like to uphold.
Lest we forget…
This post is based on excerpts from a book by Susan Neuhaus and Sharon Mascall-Dare called Not for Glory: A Century of service by Medical Women to the Australian Army.
