Dr Bertel Sundstrup has been remembered as a “dedicated and inspirational” clinician who was instrumental in keeping radiation oncology in the state’s North.
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Dr Sundstrup died on April 22 at the age of 86.
“In his profession, Bert witnessed a lot of pain, despair and suffering on a daily basis,” LGH director of surgery Professor Berni Einoder said.
“He was a dedicated and inspirational clinician who always listened with compassion to his patients, being mindful of their difficulties, especially in coping with everyday challenges with cancer.”
Dr Sundstrup grew up in Queensland and graduated from Sydney University before moving to Tasmania.
He headed the radiotherapy oncology unit at the LGH for nearly three decades, which, in 1986, became the Holman Clinic.
“We had to fight back in the early 1990s to keep radiation oncology in the the North of the state, and Bert was instrumental in keeping that up and running in Launceston,” Northern Cancer Service manager Grant Smith said.
“You knew exactly where you stood with Bert – he was very open and honest. The patients loved him and the staff respected him.”
Professor Einoder said Dr Sundstrup fought “tooth and nail to stop the bureaucrats from transferring the radiotherapy/oncology unit to Hobart”.
“He was steadfastly determined and presented irrefutable arguments that we must continue to treat patients with all forms of cancers in the North. Were it not for him, there would be no clinic in the North.”
As well as his passion for medicine, Dr Sundstrup was a passionate viticulturist and skier.
“When he returned to Tasmania he married Anne, a registered nurse, and they had three children,” Professor Einoder said.
“They built their own shack in the Ben Lomond Ski Village. He was a wonderfully entertaining, witty and generous man who had some great parties in their shack. Bert and Anne soon joined the Ben Lomond Ski Patrol and he was promoted from patrol doctor to president and eventually to life member.”
In 1983, Dr Sundstrup planted a vineyard in Pipers Brook called Dalrymple, growing grapes that were turned into award-winning wines.
“I loved talking with Bert,” Professor Einoder said. “We shared the same values and had similar aspirations and concerns. He was better informed than I in history and would constantly come up with interesting trivia.
“All past, present and future patients in the North of Tasmania, and in particular the LGH, are indebted to this friendly, unassuming and dedicated man.
“I am certain his children, Christian, Katrina and Inge, as well as his medical colleagues, will keep his spirit and legacy alive.”
