News

Greenslopes farewells leading gastroenterologist

Aug 14, 2020

One of the founding specialists of Queensland Gastroenterology, based at Greenslopes Private Hospital, is about to bid a fond farewell after announcing his retirement from his 40 year career.

Associate Professor Charles Steadman, a well-known gastroenterologist and hepatologist, has been connected with Greenslopes for more than 26 years, and was first based there in the 1970s as a medical student.

Dr Steadman said while he had cherished his time at Greenslopes he was looking forward to retiring in August 2020.

“Of all the different places I’ve worked, Greenslopes is where I’ve worked the longest. On a personal level, I’ve loved the engagement the hospital has with its Visiting Medical Officers and it is a great source of comfort that patients are always the priority,” Dr Steadman said.

“It’s been wonderful working with my colleagues and building Queensland Gastroenterology into the biggest gastro clinic in Queensland. Our group developed it with the support of Ramsay Health Care and that’s been a great thing.”

Doctor Steadman also served with the Australian Army in Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan as an Army Medical Officer at the end of 2008 and into 2009.

He has always appreciated Greenslopes’ military links, as his grandfather, who was also a veteran, was a patient there in the 1960s.

Reflecting on his time with Greenslopes, Dr Steadman said there was one particular instance he’ll never forget - when a routine weekend patient check took him by surprise.

“It was a lady from the Gold Coast and she had all the manners of a movie star. All of a sudden her bed came to life and started barking at me,” he said with a laugh.

“The patient had hidden her dog inside her bed, it was one of those fluffy things that was tucked in the sheets. You certainly don’t expect to be greeted by a dog in a hospital bed.”

Dr Steadman and his wife Jenny have now moved to the Gold Coast and are looking forward to playing golf, visiting museums and travelling.