Michaela Meade
Emergency Physician Stefan Herodotou is celebrating 40 years at Northern Health.
Dr Herodotou started work at PANCH (Preston & Northcote Community Hospital) on May 1, 1981, and said his work as an emergency physician was a job with highs and lows, and rewarding moments.
“[It’s] a job which would give me excitement and happiness and at times sadness and desperatio,” Dr Herodotou said.
“A job which would provide some of the building blocks in forming my personality and character.
“A job which would make me to be what I am today.”
Dr Herodotou said he was very grateful for the opportunity to work at one organisation for so long.
“I’ve always thought of the people at PANCH and Northern as my extended family,” he said.
“Philosophically, I don’t believe in luck, but still I regard myself honoured, privileged and ‘lucky’ that I have had the opportunity to be a part of this amazing institution, and to work next to so many wonderful and inspirational people.”
Dr Herodotou the emergency department, where he spends a considerable amount of his time, is a very demanding environment.
“The intensity of the emotions can be enormous and fluctuate so rapidly,” he said.
“Precisely that energy, emotion, teamwork, and the shared goal that we all have to save lives, are what drive my passion.
“I have seen significant advances in my 40 years of practice.
“Now the work is much more structured, the training of the medical and nursing staff is much more advanced, as is the technology we use.
“Also, our knowledge of emergency medicine has grown exponentially.”
Director of Emergency Megan Robb said Dr Herodotou was “a highly respected and valued by both his colleagues and patients, not only in emergency department, but across the health service.”
“He is one of the most dedicated and hardworking physicians I have ever had the pleasure of working with,” Dr Robb said.
