ENT surgeon bowing out gracefully, with 'way too many hobbies' to keep him busy in retirement

Retiring Gisborne Hospital ENT surgeon Mr Julian Avisenis (centre) with (from left) director of clinical services Dr Johan Peters, interim group manager medical and surgical services Kate Mather, his wife Shelley-Anne and daughter Janet McGuiness.Picture by Liam Clayton

“We were lucky to have you.”

“You will be missed.”

“Going the extra mile is second nature for you”.

These were just some of the many accolades retiring ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon Julian Avisenis received at various farewell functions as he left the Gisborne Hospital work force after 29 years.

He told The Gisborne Herald the way he was farewelled was “absolutely surreal”.

Mr Avisenis had told one group of colleagues that he would not miss his work but would miss staff and his many patients.

“I never thought this day would come, but it’s upon me.

“I do need to retire. It’s time.

“I’m going to miss people.

“As you get older, work becomes more stressful, it becomes a bit harder.

“You reach a time when it is appropriate to retire.”

Mr Avisenis said that probably happened to most medical professionals, “but when you’re involved in surgery, it’s a bit all or nothing”.

“You can’t dabble.

“So when it’s time, it’s time you have to go gracefully.

“You have to go. And you go gracefully,” he said with a laugh.

Mr Avisenis is South African with some Lithuanian ancestry. He has been a doctor since 1980.

The journey started before then, he said.

“My dad was a GP, so I was always interested.

“When I was 15, I realised I’d better get my act together and get some good marks at school.”

Mr Avisenis came to New Zealand in 1993  “for a look” and came down to  Gisborne early in 1994 for a locum position.

“I was in the post for four days when I rang my wife and said ‘pack.’

“Gisborne is a wonderful place.

“I love the place and I love the people.

“It’s why I’m retiring here.”

He was recently recognised by Hauora Tairāwhiti’s Ūkaipō Group for his dedication to tongue-tie release  procedures for Tairāwhiti babies.

Tongue-tie is a condition that restricts the tongue’s range of motion. It is present at birth and can affect how a child eats and speaks and can interfere with breastfeeding.

Mr Avisenis told The Gisborne Herald such babies with breathing difficulties were increasing in number.

He didn’t know why — it could just be a case of being more aware of the condition, he said.

There was a global shortage of ENT specialists and New Zealand specialists could get more money in Australia.

But Mr Avisenis said he did not know any doctors who were at Gisborne Hospital for the money.

He has “way too many” hobbies and sporting interests to enjoy in retirement. They include running, fishing, scuba diving, kayaking, woodwork, playing the piano and bagpipes, cooking, tramping, gardening, travel, supporting the Life Education Trust and his church.

Plus, Julian and his wife of 44 years Shelley-Anne have four children and nine grandchildren.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my 30 years in Gisborne.

“If I had to do it all again, I don’t think I would change anything.”