The family of a respected Otago-trained heart surgeon who has died after an assault at a Melbourne hospital are "devastated" by the loss.
Patrick Pritzwald-Stegmann was punched in the head in the foyer at Box Hill Hospital and had been in intensive care since May 31.
The 41-year-old Melbourne father-of-two died at The Alfred Hospital on Tuesday night, The Age newspaper reported on Wednesday.
Mr Pritzwald-Stegmann was hit in full view of CCTV cameras when he told a man to stop smoking at the entrance to Box Hill Hospital.
In a statement today, his family said they were "devastated by Patrick's passing".
"We are grateful for the compassion and support we have received from friends, colleagues and the broader community over recent weeks.
"During this difficult time we ask that we are given the space and privacy we need."
The cardio and thoracic surgeon graduated from the University of Otago in 2002 with a bachelor of medicine and bachelor of surgery.
Eastern Health said Mr Pritzwald-Stegmann says the father of twin girls was an admired member of the senior staff and will leave a lasting legacy as a "decent human being".
"Patrick was a passionate patient advocate, a generous teacher and had particular skill in thoracic surgery," chief executive David Plunkett said in a statement.
"His work was truly outstanding and his commitment and dedication will be sorely missed by his colleagues, friends and patients.
"Patrick not only leaves a lasting legacy as a surgeon but as a decent and genuine human being dedicated to the wellbeing of others."
Mr Pritzwald-Stegmann also worked at several other hospitals in Melbourne including the Austin, the Northern, Warringal Private and Epworth Eastern.
He was a "fine father, husband and surgeon" whose contribution made for a better health system and community, Victorian Health Minister Jill Hennessy said.
"Our compassion and care is now with his loved ones and friends enduring this devastation and heartbreak," she said in a statement.
The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons branded the alleged attack ‘‘obscene’’.
Police allege Mr Pritzwald-Stegmann was hit in the face and fell to the ground unconscious.
Joseph Esmaili, of Mill Park, has been charged with intentionally and recklessly causing serious injury in relation to the incident.
The 22-year-old has been remanded in custody until August.
