George Douglas Robb

Sir George Douglas Robb CMG (1899–1974) was a New Zealand surgeon, medical reformer, writer, and university chancellor. He was born at Auckland on 29 April 1899[1] and educated at the Auckland Grammar School and at the University of Otago (MB ChB). Robb had a reputation as something of a maverick and a rebel against the conventional medical establishment, as is discussed in a chapter in Brian Easton's book The Nationbuilders[2]

Robb was influential in the formation of the Auckland Medical School as part of the University of Auckland. From 1961 to 1962, he held the year-long position of President of the British Medical Association.[3]

A series of annual lectures at the University of Auckland has been named after Doug Robb.[4]

Robb was a close friend of the New Zealand poet and writer A. R. D. Fairburn, whose "To a Friend in the Wilderness"[5] was dedicated to Robb. In November 1935 Robb married Helen Seabrook of Auckland.[6] His autobiography, Medical Odyssey was published in 1967 by Collins Bros. & Co. Ltd., Auckland. Appendix 1 (4 pp.) contains a bibliography of Robb's surgical and medical articles and other writings. W. B. Sutch wrote of Robb: "Robb, unhappy with the politicians, became a foremost thoracic surgeon, and a leader in medical education and research."--The Quest for Security in New Zealand, 1840-1966; Oxford, 1966; p. 248.[7]

In the 1956 New Year Honours Robb was appointed a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George.[8] He was made a Knight Bachelor in the 1960 Queen's Birthday Honours.[9]

Douglas Robb died in his sleep on the morning of his 74th birthday.

References

  1. ↑ Robb, Douglas (1967). Medical Odyssey. Collins Bros & Co., Ltd. p. 1.
  2. ↑ The Nationbuilders
  3. ↑ Robb, Douglas (1967). Medical Odyssey. Collins Bros & Co., Ltd.
  4. ↑ Robb Lectures; University of Auckland
  5. ↑ To a Friend in the Wilderness
  6. ↑ Robb, Douglas (1967). Medical Odyssey. Collins Bros & Co., Ltd. p. 57.
  7. ↑ Robb, Douglas (1967). Medical Odyssey. Collins Bros & Co., Ltd. p. appendix 2.
  8. ↑ The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 40671. p. 43. 2 January 1956. Retrieved 12 December 2015.
  9. ↑ The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 42053. p. 4015. 11 June 1960. Retrieved 12 December 2015.


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