In my seventies I am often asked why I don’t retire. Two answers spring immediately to mind. Firstly I don’t feel old enough (mostly); secondly God called Moses to his major work when he was eighty years old – so maybe there is much ahead for me still. I doubt if I will live to one hundred and twenty.

I love surgery! I enjoy the challenge of diagnosis, the operating, the relationship with patients and particularly the shared joy of improvement or cure. I am fortunate to have a job which I love and which allows me to carry out what I see as my mandate from God to love my neighbour as myself.

My decision to follow Jesus when I was a young teenager has moulded my life. Obviously the basis of this has to do with one’s relationship with God – forgiveness, acceptance by Him etc. Living day by day has meant a call to seek the good of my fellow man. It affects all aspects of life but for me as a surgeon it has led me to spend a fair bit of my working life in foreign lands seeking to bring care particularly to the poor.

My family brings me the greatest imaginable joy. This joy starts with my wife, comes from my kids and grandchildren and I am expecting that if/when we get great grandchildren it will come from them also.

Life Highlights

• Grew up in One Tree Hill, South Australia
• Education
  • One Tree Hill Primary
  • Secondary Adelaide Boys High School
  • Adelaide University Medical School – graduated MBBS 1961-2
  • Surgical Fellowship (FRACS) 1967
  • Granted FACTM at the foundation of the College.
• Converted to Christ aged 13
  • Methodist Local Preacher aged 18
  • Elder and Chairman of Elders over prolonged period 1970 – 2000. Was delegate on Assembly of Uniting Church of Australia
  • Served on Australian Family Association, Scripture Union and various committees as member and Chairman.
• Positions held include university appointments and surgical posts in Adelaide, Monash, Brisbane and Townsville.
• Over 44 years has spent 18 years working in Ethiopia in Shashamane, Soddo, Nazret, Jimma and now committed to working in Arba Minch.
• Home base now Palmwoods, Queensland
• About to commence work at Arba Minch University, Dept of Surgery as Associate Professor.

Author of “Have Scalpel will Travel”.