Dr Ramesh Vasant
(1951–2017)

Ramesh Vasant was born in Durban, South Africa, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Natal Medical School. He obtained his postgraduate qualifications in obstetrics and gynaecology from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) in London.

Ramesh returned to South Africa to take up a senior consultant post at King Edward Hospital before entering private practice in Durban. In 1994, he left South Africa for New Zealand, where he worked at Grey Base Hospital in Greymouth for five years and Whakatane Hospital for six years.

Ramesh obtained Fellowship of the New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in 1997 and, following the amalgamation of the Australian and New Zealand Colleges, was admitted as a Fellow of RANZCOG in 1998.

Ramesh moved to Australia to Frankston Hospital, Victoria, as a consultant. In September 2010, he commenced as a senior staff specialist at the old Gold Coast Hospital. He was involved in the important transition to the new tertiary Gold Coast University Hospital and the further development of the department of obstetrics and gynaecology.

Ramesh was a very passionate and knowledgeable practitioner. His experience and common sense were keenly sought after by colleagues and patients throughout a flourishing career in both private and public practice.

Ramesh enjoyed teaching at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. He maintained a strong interest in current medical literature and was enthusiastic and meticulous in the application of new evidence into his day-to-day practice.

Ramesh continued to show dedication to his work in recent years despite a poor medical prognosis. He was always open and honest about his health, adapting his work life up to two weeks prior to his passing away so that his high standards of service delivery were never compromised.

Never one to complain, Ramesh will be remembered for his humility, ready smile, wisdom and pursuit of clinical excellence, especially in the areas of colposcopy, obstetrics and open gynaecological surgery.

He has mentored generations of obstetric trainees. Ramesh will be sadly missed by our midwifery colleagues. Many women have benefited from and remain thankful for his skills.

Ramesh was very proud that his three children pursued careers in medicine.