OBITUARY

Assoc. Prof. Thomas Gotthard Ruttmann Ph D (UCT), M Med (UCT), FCA (SA), MB ChB (UCT)

Tom made substantial contributions to medicine and anaesthesia in South Africa. From early in his medical career he was involved in endeavours to improve working conditions for doctors, a cause to which he remained devoted for his entire life. When he decided on an anaesthetic career, he embarked on it with typical dedication and enthusiasm, achieving his fellowship in the minimal possible time. He rapidly expanded his horizons, becoming extensively involved in departmental activities as consultant and pursuing a research path with energy and ability. He became one of only two researchers in over 30 years to achieve a PhD from this department and his research brought him local and international recognition. This led to a highly successful sabbatical at Stanford, in California, where he was offered a permanent post. However, Tom's loyalty to the department resulted in him returning to South Africa to continue as a consultant at Groote Schuur Hospital. Latterly, he played the leading role in the physical redevelopment of the academic and hospital facilities for the department that have greatly enhanced the departmental environment. For his last few years, he was head of the anaesthetic laboratory and continued to produce quality research.Tom was a talented and loyal member of this department and his energy and enthusiasm will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife Marlies and daughters Marguerite and Merlot to whom we extend our sympathy and condolences.

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25/08/2008