The Flinders Department Of Surgery

The Flinders Department of Surgery: Reflections on Early Years by James Toouli offers an intimate glimpse into the formative years of a unique institution in Australian medicine. This collection of reflections from those present at the inception of the Flinders Department of Surgery provides readers with an understanding of how the department evolved into a vital part of the South Australian community.

In the early years, Flinders Medical Centre was distinct in its approach, where academic heads were also clinical leaders, fostering a culture of innovation in research and teaching. Through personal memories and experiences, this book captures the spirit of collaboration and ambition that defined the department. James Toouli’s introduction acknowledges the subjective nature of memory,
embracing the imperfections and personal nuances that make these reflections both rich and authentic.

Featuring contributions from those who helped shape the department, including a poignant chapter from the late Jim Watts, the book serves not only as a historical record but as a tribute to the visionaries who laid the foundation for what Flinders would become. It is a testament to a golden era, reminiscent of a modern-day Camelot, where ideals flourished, and the seeds of excellence were sown.

JAMES WAS BORN IN Limassol Cyprus and came to Melbourne with his parents and sister when 9 years old. He graduated in
Medicine at Monash University in 1970, FRACS 1977 and PhD in Surgery in 1979. He came to Adelaide as the first trainee registrar in Surgery at Flinders medical Centre and was on the resident staff when Flinders Medical Centre opened in 1976.

James was appointed as Lecturer in Surgery in 1982 and held academic positions to promotion in 1989 as Professor of Surgery.
He took over as head of General Surgery in 1986, renamed the unit Gastrointestinal Surgery Unit and remained its head until 2000.

During his professional career he held several leadership positions in Surgery nationally and internationally. He led a successful
research programme that was well funded by NHMRC and other funding agencies. Consequently, numerous surgeons and researchers from Australia and overseas obtained their research training in his unit, and many have become leaders in Surgery.

James also has made contributions to medical and surgical education being in the forefront of several changes in methods of teaching and assessment. He has initiated several training programmes nationally and internationally for which he was recognized as a member of the Order of Australia.

James is married to Helen and has two children and five grandchildren. He lives in Adelaide and on his retirement from surgery continues to enjoy the very active arts scene in Adelaide.