July 2004

Doctor’s last thoughts with patients

David Ng, 29, had a promising medical career ahead of him when he was diagnosed with cancer in 2000.

From tough times and humble beginnings, David migrated to Australia with his family from Hong Kong in 1981.

His parents worked in the restaurant business to put their son through medical school where he could realise dreams of helping others.

David worked at his parents’ restaurant in Reservoir while studying and remained close to his parents and sister Wendy.

He completed high school in only five years at St Monica’s in Epping.

David loved music, taught himself to play piano and guitar and wrote songs for his girlfriend and one for his sister’s wedding.

He excelled at medical school at the University of Melbourne and was a medical student with the Austin Clinical School from 1995.

A well-respected and valued member of staff, David continued as a Junior Medical Officer, Medical Registrar and Researcher at Austin Health.

He was still working shifts until April.

Before being diagnosed with cancer in 2000 David began limping.

Six months after his diagnosis and surgery to remove the cancer from his leg, he completed his written medical exams.

David relapsed in March 2003 and didn’t get a chance to decide what area of medicine in which to specialise.

His sister Wendy flew from Hong Kong to be with her brother when he was diagnosed with clots forming in his heart and lung.

Wendy said David was always thinking about his patients, right up until the day he died.

‘He was in palliative care at St Vincent’s and still thinking about his patients.

‘Two hours before he died he wanted to notify a colleague consultant to see his patients,’ Wendy said.