Historical information

At the time of issue, anaesthesia was a practice still in its infancy. Proficiency in anaesthesia was determined by successful demonstration of a small number of administrations. It was also built into the existing medical qualifications and not a specialty in its own right.
Dr Montefiore David Silberberg completed his training at the Melbourne and Children's Hospitals and went to London where he was clinical assistant to Sir James Mackenzie and was associated with Sir Thomas Lewis who did ground-breaking work on digitalis and electrocardiography.
When he returned to Melbourne, he brought with him the first electrocardiograph used in medical practice in Australia. He started working in Collins Street and at the Melbourne Hospital as a specialist in heart problems.
During World War I, he served in Egypt in 14 Australian General Hospital 1914-16. In 1919 he was appointed physician to outpatients at the Alfred Hospital while also working at the Children's Hospital and at Repatriation General Hospital.
He was appointed inpatient physician at the Alfred Hospital in 1925 and, at about the same time, a University of Melbourne Stewart Lecturer in Medicine.
He mentored many young cardiologists during his lifetime, providing instruction at the hospitals where he worked and holding regular extra-curricula meetings at his home.

Physical description

Handwritten certificate from the University of Melbourne acknowledging the proficiency of Montefiore David Silberberg in the administration of anaesthesia. The certificate has been adhered to a piece of cardboard which was the backing board when it was previously framed.

Inscriptions & markings

Contents of handwritten certificate: This is to certify that / Montefiore David Silberberg / during the year 1906 / attended [scribbled over] has personally / conducted six cases of / anaesthetic + / proficiency in administring anaesthetics / 22.12.06 Es Embley MD / Hon Anaesthetist / Melb Hosp
Handwritten in pencil at bottom of certificate: 9 + 6 3/4 / 6 - 4 3/4
Handwritten in pencil on reverse: K. BROWN / Dr. Kaye / 9 + 6 3/4 / 6 - 4 3/4 / 1/4 [indecipherable] / Dr Kaye [underlined] / 124 Anderson St / South Yarra