And although the vines may not fully appreciate the doctor’s ability with a pair of secateurs others have with his formidable skills as a cardio vascular surgeon, researcher and medical educator recognised in this year’s Queens Birthday honours.

Professor Lusby has been made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).

The almost retired Associate Dean of the Concord Medical School and professor of surgery at Sydney University said it was very nice of the staff at Concord Hospital to nominate him for the award.

“It is an honour but as no one is an island when it comes to medical education I believe all the people I have worked with over the years are also recognised alongside myself, “ he said.

After 32 years in the job the Professor no longer performs any clinical or administrative work although he remains a member of various boards including the Asbestos Disease Research Foundation and the ANZAC Health and Medical Research Foundation.

“My clinical skills are now confined to taking care of the grapevines, “ he laughed.

Prof. Lusby and his wife Mary and their children operate Tintilla Estate on Hermitage Road, Pokolbin.

The couple bought the undeveloped property in 1991 and have turned it into a highly successful vineyard and olive grove and now their permanent home.

Prof. Lusby replicated his successful career when it came to developing Tintilla Estate. This involved the implementation of new technologies coupled with learning the required skills to achieve optimum outcomes.

Nowdays it maybe vines and olives that occupy his time but his career was built on studying and solving problems associated with the carotid artery – the main blood supply to the brain.

He was one of the founders of the Australian Cardio-Vascular Society and developed local training methods which meant unlike himself doctors could be trained in Australia rather than being forced to train overseas.

One of his proudest achievements apart from assisting in the fundraising of $13millon to build a state of the art medical training centre at Concord Hospital, was his work as a medical officer for the Australia Defence Force.

He was a surgeon and then consultant surgeon for the ADF from 1989-2001.

A member of the INTERFET Peace Keeping Force to East Timor 1999, Peace Keeping Force (ANZAC Force) Bougainville, 1997-1998 and UN Peace Keeping Force Rwanda 1994.

Commenting on his ADF work Prof. Lusby said if you can see a need and are able to provide assistance then its one of life’s most wonderful experiences.

“It is well proven if army personnel know they have high quality medical support they are able to perform their duties to the best of their abilities, “ he said.

During the 1980s Prof. Lusby worked on the development of mobile operating theatres that utilised shipping containers and could quickly be deployed.

“To test their capabilities we set up the theatres at Dookie College near Shepparton and performed many vasectomies on local men who were on a long local hospital waiting list, “ he said.

“Later one of the men said he had a laugh taking his children to a paddock and saying he had vital surgery in that field.”

Showing a permanent keenness to adopt the latest technology Prof.Lusby is now living in a solar powered home set among his growing collection of fruit trees.

“Just planted some cider apple trees it will be interesting to see how they turn out and what we can produce, “ he said.

No time to rest on your laurels for his dedicated Australian.