Dr John Masson retires after illustrious career

After 40 years in medicine, almost 30 of them at Townsville Hospital and Health Service, highly respected gastroenterologist Dr John Masson is hanging up his stethoscope.

On his final day at the health service, Dr Masson was celebrated by colleagues and patients for the significant contributions he’s made to healthcare in North Queensland.

Dr Masson said he was retiring with deep sense of gratitude for his supportive family, the people he’s worked alongside, the patients he’s cared for, and the opportunities his career has given him.

“My final day is actually a special date because it marks 40 years since I graduated from medical school in the UK and started my first job as a doctor,” Dr Masson said. 

“I’ve been winding down for the last couple of years, so I’m not upset to be leaving, just proud; it feels like the end of a very rewarding chapter.

“I’ll miss my medical colleagues, the nurses, the admin staff, and everyone who has been so kind and supportive over the years, but I probably won’t miss the middle-of-the-night phone calls – 40 years is enough of those, I think.”

Dr Masson first arrived in Townsville in the 1990s as the hospital’s first full-time gastroenterologist. 

Since then, he has helped shape this vital service in the region. 

“When I first arrived, there wasn’t a hepatitis clinic, so we set one up, and I’ve watched the treatments evolve and outcomes improve dramatically since then,” he said. 

“The hospital itself has grown massively to meet the needs of the community; I started work at the old hospital in North Ward, and funnily enough, that building is now apartments, and my wife and I have downsized and moved in there, so it feels like things have come full circle.”

Among his distinguished career highlights, Dr Masson was awarded the Royal Australasian College of Physicians Mentorship Award, and he was instrumental in leading training for nurses to perform colonoscopy, an innovative move that helped pave the way for nurse-led endoscopy services in Queensland.

And as those close to him can attest, Dr Masson has no plans to slow down in retirement.

The keen cyclist is preparing for the London to Paris charity ride for the British Legion, which will coincide with his 40th medical school reunion in the UK.

“The good news is I won’t need to check my on-call roster before planning a ride anymore. And that’s the great thing about retirement; I’m really looking forward to more travel, more charity rides, and just enjoying this next phase of life.”

Townsville Hospital and Health Service Chief Medical Officer Dr Niall Small said Dr Masson had made an indelible mark on healthcare in North Queensland. 

“John is widely regarded as an excellent clinician and a calm, collaborative colleague,” Dr Small said.

“He’s held numerous leadership roles at the health service over the years and he has been a long-standing member of our physician leadership group. 

“His work in championing nurse-led endoscopy has changed service delivery in a very real way that benefits patients.” Dr Small said his friend and colleague would also be remembered for his warmth and humour.

“Not many people know this, but John comes from a proud brewing family, and in his younger days he was the Yard of Ale champion at Glasgow University,” Dr Small said.  

“He’s also one of the fittest people I know, and his cycling feats are legendary. 

“At one point, I thought riding to Cairns sounded ridiculous, until John made me consider doing it; that’s the kind of influence he has.”