Meet a Member - Dr Gert Tolleson

Neurologist and AMA Queensland member Dr Gert Tolleson has been recognised for his work at the Queensland Children’s Hospital by being named a Juiced TV Super Hero.

Dr Tolleson was nominated by his patient, Keanu, who underwent lifesaving surgery five years ago at the age of 11.

What started as a mystery surrounding Keanu’s height turned out to be a brain tumour that was not only stunting his growth but threatening his life. Within two days of diagnosis, Keanu was scheduled for emergency surgery.

Keanu’s father Ken says it was a whirlwind.

“After years of asking the question why, the answer we got didn’t give us any relief,” Ken said.

In the months during Keanu’s recovery, he became affectionately known as ‘the professor’ among his medical team, even quizzing the residents in training during their rounds, with Dr Tolleson’s encouragement.

“Keanu was always an inquisitive person. Despite going through a traumatic brain surgery, he was always googling and researching different thing to help him understand what had happened,” Dr Tolleson said.

Dr Tolleson and Keanu bonded over trivia and their shared Swedish heritage and became fast friends during Keanu’s initial hospitalisation. Dr Tolleson still goes out of his way to catch up with Keanu and Ken whenever they are in for a check-up.

Now 16, Keanu is a straight-A student, has taught himself three languages and three instruments, and is involved in volunteering and leadership courses.

“I have no doubt that Keanu will forge his own path and apply his ‘professor’ mind to whatever takes his interest. I have learnt so much from him and am eager to cheer him on,” Dr Tolleson said.

Ken said the family owed Keanu’s bright future to Dr Tolleson.

“You know when you get an instantly good feeling about someone? Well, I got that when I met Gert,” Ken said.

“He never spoke down to us. Gert always approached us with an openness that we needed during Keanu’s medical journey. He had true empathy and a duty of care to our family.”

The Juiced TV Super Hero Awards, supported by QSuper, part of Australian Retirement Trust, recognises the doctors, nurses, volunteers and other healthcare workers who selflessly dedicate themselves to the wellbeing of their young patients.

Dr Tolleson said he was incredibly touched to be nominated.

“Keanu is a really special person, and I am honoured to be a part of his life,” he said.

Juiced TV is an Australian-first initiative that benefits the health and wellbeing of sick children and their families in hospital. It is broadcast throughout the Queensland Children’s Hospital via the Patient Entertainment System, across the Juiced TV mobile application in select regional paediatric wards, and online.

In 2022, the AMA Queensland Foundation raised funds to buy Juiced TV a new camera.