MODERN SURGERY

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17410, 7 November 1930, Page 6

MODERN SURGERY

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS AUSTRALIAN’S TRAVELS ■ 1 . After an extended tour abroad, during which he carried out investigations into the latest developments in modern surgery, Dr. H. K. Dew, formerly of Melbourne, is returning to Sydney by ttie Niagara to take up the new chair of surgery at 'Sydney University. The new department was made possible through the generosity of Mr. G. Bosch, who recently left a large sum for the endowment of a chair. Dr. Dew, who was in practice in Melbourne, was appointed to the position, and undertook a trip abroad before carrying out the work of reorganisation which the position entails. “As far as medicine and surgery ard concerned, British universities still lead the world in under-graduate education,” Dr. Dew said. “However, 'although most of our students go to England for their post-graduate courses, I have come to the conclusion that this class of wotk is more advanced in the United States.”

“An arrangement made recently whereby young doctors < would -be able to take the first part of their examinations for fellowship in the Royal College of Surgeons in Sydney was of importance to New Zealanders,’-’ Dr. Dew continued. “It was thought that this step would prove of great assistance in the development of post-graduate work in Australia.

“Tlie question of hospital control is being investigated all over the world,” Dr. Dew said. “Not all countries are as fortunate as the United States, where large hospitals are established under endowments from wealthy men. In Great Britain the most recent development is the establishment of private wards in connection with large hospitals. The system of voluntary financial support is not proving successful. In New Zealand your hospitals are State* owned, and I understand that other countries have entertained the idea of following your lead. Personally I ani averse to the scheme as I believe that j it tends to exploit the medical pro*/ fession.” '

Little progress had been made in the direction of cancer research abroad, Dri Dew continued, London, Manchester and Baris were the three centres whew radium was being employed to the greatest extent, and it appeared that the first necessity in any campaign against cancer was an adequate supply of radium. The craze for sun treatment was rapidly dying a natural death. It had originated in the United States, and although a certain amount of sun treatment might, he beneficial in some cases, it, could not be pretended that the treatment was a euro for all ills. —Dominion correspondent.