LONG-time Mildura surgeon Kevin Chambers OAM has died.

Mr Chambers, who served the Sunraysia community for nearly four decades after moving to Mildura in 1983, died on Friday following a medical emergency last week.

Mildura Base Public Hospital CEO Terry Welch described Mr Chambers' passing as an "enormous loss to the medical profession".

"Over the last 37 years, Mr Chambers has led a distinguished career in the Mildura area and his tireless contribution to medicine in this community has been exemplary," Mr Welch said.

"Mr Chambers was highly respected by his esteemed colleagues and peers, patients and members of this community."

Mildura Base Public Hospital made the announcement on Friday night, describing the surgeon as a "big man with an even bigger personality".

Mr Welch said on behalf of the MBPH Board and staff he wished to pass on his deepest sympathy to his family.

During his distinguished career, Mr Chambers was the recipient of many awards including the Victorian Rural Health Award for outstanding contribution to the community in 2010, the General Surgeons of Australia Excellence in Surgical Teaching Award for Victoria/Tasmania in 2017 and the Order of Australia Medal in 2018 for service to medicine and the community of Mildura.

He advocated for the return of the hospital to public management and was a big support for young doctors coming through the system.

Mr Welch said he would be sadly missed.

As the Director of Surgery, Mr Chambers combined his strong leadership, extensive knowledge and experience and love of teaching to mentor and guide his peers and the junior surgical registrars in training," Mr Welch said.

"His legacy is immeasurable and today MBPH extends our thoughts and prayers to Mr Chambers family, friends and colleagues. He will be missed enormously."