The family of a respected Royal Hobart Hospital doctor is enduring “unimaginable pain” following his death in a car crash on the Midland Highway earlier this month. Dr Artyom Avetisyan, a 42-year-old cardiothoracic surgery registrar, was killed in a single-vehicle crash at Pontville on the evening of Friday, June 12.
According to reporting from ABC News, Dr Avetisyan’s brother, Artak Avetisyan, said the doctor had dedicated his life to helping others and was a constant support for his family.
Tasmania Police said emergency services were called to the scene near the Pontville roundabout just before 10:40 pm, as reported by Pulse Tasmania. Initial inquiries indicated the station wagon Dr Avetisyan was driving south had left the road and rolled. It is understood he was travelling back to Hobart after completing a shift at the Launceston General Hospital.
Dr Avetisyan had worked for Tasmania’s Department of Health for three years, serving at both the Mersey Community Hospital and the Royal Hobart Hospital. Colleagues remembered him as a well-respected surgeon.
The ABC reported that Dr Avetisyan’s death has prompted calls from the Australian Medical Association for a review of fatigue management policies for doctors who travel between hospitals.
The Department of Health extended its condolences to Dr Avetisyan’s family and colleagues and stated it would assist with the coronial investigation, according to Pulse Tasmania. Premier Jeremy Rockliff also expressed his sympathies, saying his “heart goes out to his family and that of all his colleagues who are, quite rightly, devastated by this event”.
The circumstances of the crash are being investigated by the coroner. The original story was reported by ABC News.