GV Health has produced a prize winning doctor with anaesthetic registrar Dr Nathaniel Hiscock recently being awarded the 2019 Renton Prize.

The prize is an honour given to the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetist (ANZCA) trainee who reaches the highest marks in their primary examination.

Currently undergoing a five year program to complete his anaesthetist training, Dr Hiscock has called Shepparton home for the past eight months after relocating from Melbourne to gain rural experience while specialising in his chosen medical field.

“I studied at Monash University and have always been interested physiology, pharmacology, and the management of unwell patients,” he said.

Dr Hiscock spoke highly of the anaesthetic department and training at GV Health, commending them on their structured approach to mentoring junior doctors and dedication to preparing them for the gruelling demands of the job.

“All the staff at GV Health have been incredibly supportive,” he said.

“Shepparton has been a wonderful place to begin my anaesthetic training.”

GV Health’s newly appointed Chief Medical Officer Dr John Elcock congratulated Dr Hiscock on his accomplishment and said he looked forward to similar success in future anaesthetic registrars that are trained at the health service.

“A result such as this is fantastic for our region and a real testament to the calibre of senior medical training staff we have here at GV Health,” he said.

“This is a significant achievement for Dr Hiscock and we’re very happy to be able to share this news with our community.”

The news coincides with ANZCA’s National Anaesthesia Day, celebrated each year across Australia and New Zealand on October 16.

It marks the anniversary of the day that ether anaesthetic was first demonstrated in Boston, Massachusetts in 1846.

This year’s theme was “preparing for your anaesthesia” which was aimed at helping the community understand the importance of preparing for an anaesthetic – such as getting fit, stopping smoking or discussing any allergies they may have.