“The friendly giant who has saved countless lives”

This week’s health hero is Dr Gregory Gard nominated by Senior obstetric registrar Dr d’Arcy Baxter.

“Greg Gard is the guy on everyone’s speed dial, because it’s Greg you call when things are at their worst.” Dr Baxter said.

Dr Gregory Gard is a certified gynaecological oncologist, Senior Staff Specialist at Royal North Shore Hospital and lecturer at the University of Sydney.

“Greg’s dedication and passion are inspirational. His job, beyond daily gynecological oncology, is to provide surgical support for the most complex cases across obstetrics and gynecology. He works tirelessly with his oncology patients but is also the guy who comes in at 3am when we have our major emergencies like traumatic bleeding or abnormally adherent placentas. He’s our saviour in the most perilous cases, saving not just us, but most importantly the patient, with the most positive can-do attitude that is infectious to all he encounters.”

“He is the friendly giant whose arrival at an emergency theatre case in the small hours brings with it a sense of relief and calm, without any hint of irritation at being abruptly awoken. His skillful hands and warm smile continue to care for countless women, and he has a wonderful ability to walk Gynae oncology patients through their toughest times with soft humour and grace.” Dr Baxter said.

“I can recall being a first-year registrar calling Greg for an unstable patient who we transferred urgently to theatre. I’m sure everyone else in the theatre was running on adrenaline but Greg insisted we have some Coldplay on in the background and a few minutes later the bleeding was under control and there were smiles all around.”

“He’s not just an incredible practitioner. He’s also pioneered the multidisciplinary management of abnormally invasive placentas, which has reduced obstetric hemorrhage and life-threatening complications at the time of caesarean.”

“It’s hard to put a number on it.” Dr Baxter said, “But he has certainly saved countless women and helped so many through their cancer journey.”

Dr Gard commenced his gynecology training at King George V Hospital, Sydney and later completed fellowships at the Royal Women’s Hospital and The Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute in Melbourne and Vancouver General Hospital and British Columbia Cancer Agency in Vancouver, Canada.

He began in his staff specialist role in Gynecological Oncology at Royal North Shore Hospital in 2000. He cares for women both in northern Sydney and the Central Coast region.

“After hours Greg makes sure that the registrar on duty always knows how far away he is. If he’s away or unavailable, he goes out of his way to find someone to solve the problem. He always comes in for a weekend ward round (the odd Sunday off being an exception) to check in on patients and reassure them.”

“Greg is an incredible mentor for those coming up through the ranks. His support for the junior team members and colleagues is unwavering. He always makes time to teach no matter the hour. So many doctors’ careers have been enhanced by their interactions with Greg.”

“This profession has so many heroes and Greg Gard is certainly among them.”