Dr Susan K Winter, CSC, OAM, B Med Sci, MBBS, MBA, FANZCA, FCICM
13th March 1963 – 23rd February 2022
Our Immediate Past President, Professor Michael Reade AM and I had the privilege of attending the funeral of Susan K Winter. Su had achieved so much in such a short time. Hers was a life filled with accomplishments and recognition in her both her medical and military careers. Su was a respected intensivist at the Alfred Hospital and in the Australian Regular Army until the late stages of Motor Neurone Disease forced her retirement. Her career held much variety – from training in Launceston, Sydney, Careflight, anaesthesia work in Darwin, Wagga, Townsville, and military deployments to Rwanda, Timor, Afghanistan and Iraq.
In 2003, Su was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross for “outstanding achievement in the provision of exceptional medical care to critically injured victims of the bombings during Operation BALI ASSIST, October 2002”. In 2021, Su was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the Military Division of the Queen’s Birthday 2021 Honours List for “meritorious service as a specialist anaesthetist and intensivist on multiple overseas deployments and specialist medical advisor to the 2nd General Health Battalion, 3rd Health Support Battalion and Army Health Services”.
It was a privilege to know her, to work alongside her and to witness the knowledge that she so willingly imparted to eager minds, willing to learn. She was a trailblazer, and a leader of the highest calibre.
On behalf of the ATS and our trauma colleagues and from across Australia and New Zealand, we thank Su for her dedication, commitment and service to improving trauma care. To Su’s family we extend our deepest sympathy on the passing of this remarkable lady.
Helen Jowett
ATS President