Source: Australian Lampada
A Brisbane-based rheumatologist who provided regular services to the regional cities of Bundaberg and Rockhampton for years is one of 13 tragic deaths related to the Queensland floods.
According to local media reports, Dr Alex Klestov’s car was washed off the Brisbane Valley Highway as he was returning home to Brisbane on February 27.
Dr Klestov was a former director of rheumatology at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and travelled twice a month to provide a regional rheumatology service at the Rockhampton and the Bundaberg Base Hospitals
After retiring from Queensland Health in 2013, Dr Klestov opened a private practice in Brisbane and continued to provide private rheumatology services to the two regional cities.
According to his son, the 76-year-old specialist had kept working past retirement due to concerns about his patients amid a shortage of rheumatologists in Queensland.
The Australian Rheumatology Association’s Queensland president Dr Laurel Young said Dr Klestov’s death had left a large hole in the profession.
“There are a lot of rheumatologists across Australia who will work beyond 70 because the need is still there,” Dr Young told the ABC.
“It’s about feeling that they should still do it because there’s not enough people to take their place. The fact that he was working up until 76 is phenomenal.”
Tributes to Dr Klestov were paid by groups such as Arthritis Australia and AMA Queensland, who said he “epitomises the dedication doctors have to care for our community.”
Many of Dr Klestov’s current and former patients paid tribute to him on Facebook, describing him as a compassionate and hardworking doctor who was dedicated to working for people in regional and rural Australia.
“One of the few doctors that didn’t put me in the, too hard basket. I was looking forward to our next appointment in 2 weeks. I am devastated as I am sure his poor family is,” said one.
“So sorry to hear this sad news of the loss of a well know and liked man … who over the years as a rheumatologist gave so many of us – his patients , a better quality of life helping us living our lives with less pain in a vast variety of medical conditions. His professional mannerism, friendly positive outlook on life and genuine care for us over the years changed many of our lives for the better. He will be sadly missed,” said another.
Dr Klelstov, who was born in China but of Russian heritage, was on the committee of the Queensland Russian Community Centre. He is survived by his three children and a granddaughter.