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After almost four decades of surgery, one of Mater’s longest-serving specialists has finally laid down his scalpel.
Dr Chris Pyke, a nationally-renowned breast and endocrine consultant, has performed surgery on around 25,000 women at Mater Hospital Brisbane and Mater Private Hospital Brisbane.
Perioperative staff at Mater Hospital Brisbane came together to wis
Dr Pyke on his graduation from surgical training.h Dr Pyke for his final appearance in its operating theatres – some 37 years after he completed his surgical training at the facility.
Dr Pyke, who retired from private practice last year, will continue to serve as Mater’s Chief Medical Officer and in a governance role at BreastScreen Queensland.
“It seems a little surreal, but there comes a time when every procedural doctor should consider retirement and at 67 now is the right time for me,” he said.
“I was given a great goodbye by the team at Mater Hospital Brisbane and I’m very grateful to them all.
“Surgery is teamwork from start to finish. Teams adapt as each surgical day goes on, overcoming obstacles, pivoting and ensuring the best outcomes for our patients.
“I also owe so much to my family. None of this would have been possible without their support and the many demands made on their time, especially my wife Jan.”
Following training at Mater, Dr Pyke completed surgical fellowships at the UK’s Nottingham Breast Institute and the US Mayo Clinic.
He has a PhD in breast cancer risk quantification and established one of Queensland’s major breast cancer private practices.
As Mater’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Pyke will continue to be a familiar face across the South Brisbane campus and at Mater’s regional hospitals.
“I’m not planning on leaving Mater yet – I still have my bills to pay!” he joked.
“And I love the position of Chief Medical Officer. It’s a fantastic role for further strengthening our safety and quality parameters and for building Mater’s clinical networks – all of which helps our patients.”
Mater Hospital Brisbane General Manager Luke Worth thanked Dr Pyke for his years of dedicated service.
“Dr Pyke has been much more than just a great surgeon,” Mr Worth said.
“He has been a generous mentor and coach, a champion of inter-disciplinary teamwork and a hero in making the culture of Mater what it is today.
“Chris is a wonderful colleague who has made an art of making people smile, and we are excited to be part of his next chapter.”
