Celebrating an extraordinary life

A book chronicling the extraordinary life of Dr Val Lishman was launched in the Lishman Library at Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School on Friday night.

Published by the Val Lishman Health Research Foundation, The Man in the Surgical Mask, honours the surgeon’s career and contribution to the community.

It includes colourful anecdotes shared by family, friends and colleagues, as well as the retired surgeon’s own words.

Foundation chairman John Saunders said it was clear Dr Lishman had inspired many with his skills, selflessness and service.

“About 80 people took the time to contribute to this book which was compiled by an editorial team led by Margaret Mardon and comprising Dr Graham Fisher, Rosemary Hannon and Sandra Fussell,” he said.

Dr Lishman was the first specialist surgeon in the South West.

He was on call, around the clock, seven days a week, for 12 years straight and treated patients throughout the region from Collie to Manjimup to Augusta.

He volunteered in a civilian hospital during the Vietnam War, accompanied an expedition to the Himalayas, and spent 18 months in a research camp in Antarctica.

Copies of the book, including a limited number of signed copies, are available.

For details, visit www.vlfoundation.com.au.

All proceeds from the book will go to the Foundation, which aims to improve the health and well-being of people in regional areas.