Dr Tze-Ki (TK) Ho, an orthopaedic surgeon from Buderim Private Hospital, will retire this month after spending 37 years practicing medicine.
Born and raised in Hong Kong, Dr Ho completed his medical training in Northern Ireland before moving to the Sunshine Coast in 1994 to practice orthopaedics.
Reflecting on his long career, Dr Ho said the most rewarding part has been helping his patients and being part of a supportive medical community.
“It is a pleasure for me to study the X-rays after an operation that confirm it went well and understand how much it will help my patient. I find this reassuring and rewarding,” Dr Ho said.
Dr Ho said that in orthopaedics, patients are treated for episodes of care compared to a GP setting where patients are seen over a long period of time for different health issues. For this reason, he never takes offence when his patients say: “As much as I like you and your work, I hope I don’t have to see you again!”
Patients regularly stop Dr Ho on the streets of the Sunshine Coast to say hello, which Dr Ho describes a “very good feeling”.
When Dr Ho first started practicing orthopaedics on the Sunshine Coast, there were not many other surgeons however over the years Dr Ho has been able to sub-specialise in shoulder surgery. Dr Ho completed a prestigious Shoulder Fellowship in Switzerland earlier in his career which forged his interest and passion in shoulder surgery.
Dr Ho said the birth of his first grandchild helped make the decision to retire easier and is looking forward to spending time with his grandson in retirement.
“I will miss interacting with all my colleagues and patients of course - it’s hard to say goodbye to people you are so happy to work alongside for so many years,” he said.
“I have watched the Buderim Private Hospital grow over the years from two theatres to eight and have thoroughly enjoyed my time here as the culture of staff is most precious.”
Shane Mitchell, Acting Director of Clinical Services, said: “On behalf of Buderim Private Hospital, we would thank you Dr Ho for his incredible service to the people of the Sunshine Coast over the past 25 years and wish him all the very best for a long and happy retirement.”
As part of UnitingCare, the Buderim Private Hospital is owned by the Uniting Church and is the only not-for-profit provider of private hospital services on the Sunshine Coast.