It is with sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Sarwat Shenouda, an Obstetrician and Gyneacologist with many years of service to Northern Health.

“Sarwat was not only a great clinician but he was also a passionate supporter, educator and mentor of medical students, trainees of the college and international doctors – guiding many on placements,” says his friend and colleague, Dr Andrew Ngu.

“He was not frightened of hard work – some weeks he could be on call for four days per week.”

He was the backbone of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit at Northern Hospital for many years. He came to Northern to complete his Fellowship training in 2000 and became a consultant in 2001, a post he held until his death.

Dr Sarwat Shenouda was born in Egypt in 1957. He completed a Masters of Clinical Pathology at the University of Ain Shams before migrating to Australia to work as a GP, and then later train in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

He married Gilan in 1986 in Melbourne and had two children in Rami (1990) and Mayar (1992).

Sarwat got on extremely well with the people at work and he treated them like his family. Many a time he would ring to inform the staff  that he was bringing lunch or dinner for everyone. He was a larger-than-life character who treated everyone well.

Sarwat was immediately recognisable by his signature greeting and his warm personality that could fill any room. His generosity was immeasurable and he lived to share food, laughter and love with anyone that crossed his path.

He had been extremely brave but also realistic in his fight with his illness for more than five years.

“He had multiple surgeries, radiotherapy and chemotherapy and hospital admissions, but throughout, he remained ever-positive about life. He became extremely close to God in the last few years of his life and had accepted death as a gateway to be united with his Holy Father,” says Andrew.

Sarwat Shenouda peacefully passed away on Friday, 10 May 2019 surrounded by his family. He will always be remembered by Northern Health as a great human being.

Featured Image (left to right):

Dr Marcia Bonazzi (Registrar at Northern Hospital in 2000), Dr Barry Dawson (Retired Consultant), Dr Sarwat Shenouda, Dr Peter Ashton (Consultant at PANCH), Dr Andrew Ngu (Consultant)