MEET A MEMBER – Dr Ben Anderson

Cardiologist and AMA Queensland member Dr Ben Anderson first treated baby Havana’s heart condition when she was only three months old.

Havana was diagnosed with aortic stenosis at birth and requires ongoing treatment at the Queensland Children’s Hospital. With Dr Anderson monitoring, diagnosing, and performing interventions where necessary, 12 years on she is now able to play sport with her peers. 

“Havana’s most recent surgery has meant she can run around and be a ‘normal’ child for the first time ever, which is incredible,” Havana’s mother, Jamie, said. 

The centrepiece of Havana and Dr Anderson’s relationship has been their shared humour, with the pair exchanging jokes every appointment without fail.

“I’m not sure when it started, but now before every appointment Havana will search the internet for a few jokes and save them to read to Dr Ben,” Jamie said. 

The jokes have been significant in making Havana feel less anxious about her hospital appointments.

“Using humour isn’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 Anderson said. 

“The children, especially Havana, are funny. Their honest observations just make my day.” 

Havana’s family nominated Dr Anderson for the Juiced TV Super Hero Award. Dr Anderson said it was unexpected and touching.

“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,” Dr Anderson said. 

“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.”

The AMA Queensland Foundation has been proud to partner with Juiced TV, raising $25,000 for a new camera.

Juiced TV is an Australian-first program that provides the opportunity for patients and their siblings to star in their own show and share their hospital journey in an empowering and positive way, creating and connecting a community of hospital heroes.

The Juiced TV Hero Awards are sponsored by the Australian Retirement Trust and QSuper.