Vale Dr Grahame Ctercteko: One of Westmead’s finest surgeons

We are saddened by the news of the recent, unexpected passing of Westmead Hospital’s surgeon and colorectal department head, Dr Grahame Ctercteko.

Friends and colleagues across the Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) expressed sadness and emptiness with the loss of a surgeon who had made such an enormous contribution over four decades.

Westmead Hospital’s colorectal surgeon Dr James Toh described Dr Ctercteko as an incredibly generous, gifted, talented, kind and compassionate surgeon.

“His kindness, warmth, authenticity, leadership and spirit will be missed greatly,” Dr Toh said.

“He was a surgeon’s surgeon most of his life.

“But in his twilight years, he became an academic surgeon, pursuing knowledge, challenging ideas and protocols, and entertaining the idea of how amazing it would be to win the Nobel Prize.”

Dr Toh said his former colleagues continued to build the colorectal unit he started and headed at Westmead Hospital into an academic unit at the forefront of surgery and research.

“He was a humble man who had achieved all that could be achieved in a surgical career, helping thousands of patients with life-threatening illnesses,” he said.

“Grahame inspired many younger surgeons by his kind, thoughtful and compassionate leadership. He led by example.”

“He was also an enthusiastic cook, and a loving husband and father.”

We farewell a great surgeon, Dr Ctercteko who gave the communities of Western Sydney so much.