Highly valued general physician and icon farewelled by St John of God Subiaco Hospital community

3 Apr 2023

Image: (L-R) St John of God Subiaco Hospital CEO Tina Chinery, A/Prof. David Watson, Former St John of God Subiaco Hospital CEOs Prof. Shirley Bowen and Dr Lachlan Henderson.

Hosted by St John of God Subiaco Hospital CEO Tina Chinery, the tribute evening was attended by the Sisters of St John of God, medical specialists, nurses, former hospital CEOs, and members of the St John of God Health Care Board including Board Chair, The Honourable Kerry Sanderson AC CVO.

The event provided attendees the opportunity to thank A/Prof Watson for his many years of service, his mentorship and wise counsel and for the outstanding care he has provided to St John of God Subiaco Hospital patients and members of the wider Western Australian community.

A/Prof Watson graduated with a degree in medicine from Sydney University in 1968 and first stepped foot at Subiaco Hospital in 1966 as a medical student. He relocated to Perth in 1972 and joined St John of God Subiaco Hospital in 1977, working closely with the Sisters of St John of God. 

Over the years, A/Prof Watson has had a crucial role in the education and professional development of generations of medical professionals, and contributed to significant improvements within Western Australia’s health care system.  

In the early 1970s, A/Prof Watson was employed at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, where he promoted nursing and allied health professional education. He then joined St John of God Subiaco Hospital’s Medical Teaching Unit in 1977, serving with Professor Michael Quinlan AO and Dr David Gulland until 1989 when he was appointed St John of God Subiaco Hospital Director of Medical Services. 

In addition, he was a member of the medical faculties at both The University of Notre Dame Australia and The University of Western Australia. 

A/Prof Watson was also an active member of State and Federal Australian Medical Associations, and was elected AMA WA President in the 1980s. He was also elected to the Council of The Medical Defence Association (MDA), serving as MDA National President for nearly seven years from 1997 and then again from 2005. Through these experiences, he gained a wealth of medico-legal expertise.

Tributes to A/Prof Watson were delivered at the tribute evening by longstanding colleagues and friends Prof Eli Gabbay and Dr Robyn Yeo, who spoke on behalf of Dr Simon Towler. 
St John of God Subiaco Hospital Respiratory Physician Prof Eli Gabbay touched on the seminal influence that A/Prof Watson has had on St John of God Subiaco Hospital and the quality of care delivered to patients. 

“In a career encompassing nearly five decades, David’s presence is felt in every part of St John of God Subiaco Hospital’s labyrinth of support structures.

“He has infused our hospital with his unremitting commitment to patient care, staff wellbeing, teaching, accountability and excellence,” Prof Gabbay said.

Prof Gabbay also highlighted the admiration and respect A/Prof Watson’s patients and families had for him, reflecting on their gratitude for his skill, empathy and judgement.

“As for those who work here, it is no small thing that so many of our medical specialists and caregivers hold you in such esteem,” Prof Gabbay said.

WA Department of Health Chief Medical Officer Dr Towler also praised A/Prof Watson’s total commitment to his patients and to his deep insights into their medical condition and the circumstances of their lives.

“Not only is David an iconic figure and wonderful doctor, he is a true scholar and teacher.

“Few clinicians command the respect and admiration afforded to our esteemed colleague, A/Prof David Watson,” Dr Towler said. 

In 2016, A/Prof Watson became a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his significant service to medicine, medical education, professional organisations and the community. 

As testament to his commitment to education, A/Prof Watson is hoping to commence a law degree at The University of Notre Dame Australia.