Paediatric cardiologist's endless compassion no joke
12 September 2022
5
min read
Doctor Ben Anderson first attended to Havana’s heart condition when she was only three months old. Twelve years later he’s considered part of the family.
To Havana and her parents, there was no better way to express their deep appreciation and affection for “Dr Ben” than to nominate him in the Juiced TV Super Hero Awards, which we proudly support.
The Super Hero Awards program was designed to celebrate healthcare professionals like Dr Ben who selflessly dedicate themselves to the wellbeing of others. Working in partnership since 2019, the QSuper team and Juiced TV have helped recognise 19 incredible practitioners through the program.
QSuper is now part of Australian Retirement Trust, the super fund formed through the merger with Sunsuper. We’re one of Australia’s largest super funds and proud to take care of over $200 billion in retirement savings for more than two million members
Diagnosed with aortic stenosis at birth – a condition where the aortic valve is unable to open to full capacity – Havana requires ongoing treatment. With Dr Ben monitoring, diagnosing, and performing interventions where necessary, she is now able to participate in school sport.
“Havana’s most recent surgery has meant that she can run around and be a ‘normal’ child for the first time ever, which is incredible,” Havana’s mother, Jamie, said.
Hospital humour
The centrepiece of Havana and Dr Ben’s unique relationship has been their shared humour, with the pair growing close through the exchange of jokes at every appointment.
“I’m not sure when it started, but before every appointment Havana will search the internet for a few jokes and save them to read to Dr Ben,” Jamie said.
Dr Ben’s humour has been significant in making Havana feel less anxious about her hospital appointments to the point that the visits can seem fun and be something to look forward to.
Using humour wasn’t something that you learn to do. It is just a natural part of interacting with the patients, to put them at ease and make them feel that they can trust you,” Dr Ben said.
Just like family
Jokes aside, Dr Ben has consistently gone above and beyond in his care for Havana and her family. Jamie said Dr Ben made a detour every day of Havana’s recent five-week admission just to check in, regardless of whether he was coming from surgery or clocking out for the day.
“Dr Ben just cares. My husband and I have always said if he ever left that hospital, we’d have to follow him. We just couldn’t go with somebody else. We think he’s amazing,” Jamie said.
Havana trusts [Dr Ben] in every sense, and if he tells her she is going to be okay she really does believe him.”
The admiration and tenderness Havana’s family have for Dr Ben is reciprocated. Dr Ben considers himself lucky to have been there for Havana throughout her entire healthcare journey.
“I am in a very privileged spot to watch kids like Havana grow up. You get to know them, watch them go through their developmental stages and grow up into little humans,” he said.
“Being nominated by Havana’s family was unexpected and touching. They’re the ones going through it day in and day out, but they still want to thank me. It is incredibly sweet.
“I can’t take full credit, of course. No individual can do any of this, it is always a team effort.”
Recognising our healthcare heroes
“We would like to thank the QSuper team at Australian Retirement Trust for making the awards possible, we’re grateful to have the platform to share everything that Dr Ben has done for us,” Jamie said.
The QSuper team feel privileged to recognise the heroes within the healthcare industry. We’re passionate about fostering our members’ wellbeing by supporting a strong healthcare sector, so hearing about Dr Ben’s humour and unique relationship with Havana is heart-warming.