Arabic version: تُعاني العائلة من وفاة الطبيب المأساوية في حادث سيارة بتسمانيا

The family of Artyom Avetisyan, a cardiothoracic surgery registrar at the Royal Hobart Hospital, is grappling with profound grief following his death in a single-vehicle crash on June 12. According to ABC News, the 42-year-old was driving south on the Midland Highway at Pontville when the accident occurred.

His brother, Artak Avetisyan, described Dr. Avetisyan as someone who dedicated his life to helping others. “He was always there for our family, supporting us in every way he could, and we were endlessly proud of him,” Mr. Avetisyan stated. He emphasized the family’s devastation, saying they are living through “unimaginable pain” after losing Artyom.

Dr. Avetisyan had been working for nearly three years with the Tasmanian Department of Health, having served at both the Mersey Community Hospital and the Royal Hobart Hospital. He was driving back to Hobart after working at the Launceston General Hospital when he lost his life in the crash.

In the wake of this tragedy, there are growing calls for the Health Department to reassess its fatigue management policies. RHH Medical Staff Association chair Frank Nicklason highlighted the issue of travel fatigue for doctors who frequently commute between hospitals. The Australian Medical Association Tasmanian branch president, Michael Lumsden-Steel, also questioned the effectiveness of current fatigue management processes.

The Health Department stated that it has fatigue management policies in place and is currently reviewing them in consultation with staff. Meanwhile, Dr. Avetisyan’s death is under investigation by the coroner, as the community mourns the loss of a dedicated physician.