Gallery
Cuscaden, William George Henry (1887 - 1956)
M.D. (Melb.), F.R.C.S. (Edin.), F.R.A.C.S.
- Born
- 1887
- Died
- 1 July 1956
- Occupation
- Chairman, Honorary Medical Staff, Gynaecologist and Medical practitioner
Details
Transcription of item written by Dr Colin Macdonald and published in "The Book of Remembrance", The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, 1956.
WILLIAM GEORGE HENRY CUSDADEN
(1914 - 1947)
Dr. William George Henry Cuscaden, M.D. (Melb.), F.R.C.S. (Edin.), F.R.A.C.S., whose sudden death occurred on July 1, 1956, was appointed to the honorary medical staff in 1914. This coincided with the retirement of his father, Sir George Cuscaden. Between them, the Cuscadens served the Hospital for fifty-one years, breaking by two years a parallel record of service to the same institution given by Dr. G.H. Fetherston and his son, Dr. R.H. Fetherston.
Born in 1887, the only son of Major-General Sir George and Lady Cuscaden, Dr. W.G.H. Cuscaden was educated at Scotch College, Melbourne, and graduated in medicine with final honours in 1908 at the University of Melbourne. From 1911, he carried on a general practice at Preston and later in South Melbourne. In 1923-1924 he did post-graduate work in Vienna and Edinburgh, and, on his return to Melbourne practised solely as a specialist in gynaecology.
In an era when gynaecology had not gained the repute in which it is held today, Dr. Cuscaden was noted as a teacher of conservatism and avoidance of "meddlesome gynaecology". But when the indication for surgery existed, he was noted for his dexterity and speed of operating. However, it was his pioneering and vast experience of radium therapy at the Royal Women’s Hospital that brought him reputation. He originated many techniques in the management of genital cancer, including several ingenious vaginal and uterine applicators, and developed a method of direct cervical inspection very useful in early diagnosis. He was the first to use radon at this hospital in the treatment of cancer and other gynaecological conditions. Before this Dr. Charles Dennis had been administering radium for several years.
He was chairman of the Women’s Hospital honorary medical staff during the difficult war years (1939-45), when the essential functions of the hospital had to be carried on with a depleted staff.
On his retirement in 1947, he still maintained a lively interest in the Women’s Hospital, and it is sad to reflect that he died on the eve of the centenary celebrations, which he would have enjoyed so much, and which his presence would have enlivened.
Archival/Heritage Resources
Royal Women's Hospital Archives
- Book of Remembrance, 1956 - 1975; Royal Women's Hospital Archives [ Details... ].
Prepared by: Robyn Waymouth
Created: 19 September 2006, Last modified: 26 November 2006