Australian medicine is mourning the loss of one of its greatest educators and a seminal contributor to medical literature globally.
Renowned medical educator and GP Professor John Murtagh has passed away over the weekend at age 89, his daughter has confirmed via social media.
Professor Murtagh will be remembered for his extensive contributions to medicine, especially in the education field, with his academic works translated into numerous languages across 20 countries.
Across Australia, medical organisations and prominent figures have shared their condolences and shed light on the impact that Professor Murtagh had on general practice.
“We’re super proud of his legacy in medicine,” Murtagh’s daughter Monash University lecturer Julie Tullberg shared via LinkedIn.
“Dad’s work has guided generations of doctors.”
“Dad was a trailblazer during his time at Monash University.
“We are most fortunate to learn from his humble ways.”
Professor Murtagh’s work in medical education alone has its own legacy, with former students expressing how formative his mentorship has been not just on an individual scale but also institutionally.
“I feel like he’s kind of the grandfather of Australian general practice,” former student and current GP Professor Danielle Mazza told The Allergy & Respiratory Republic.
“He had these fabulous insights of being a rural doctor and treating the weird and wonderful in rural practice, with all of these fabulous tips about treatment of common conditions like how to get a fish hook out of a finger.
“He was a very inspirational teacher who really understood how to get across key concepts.”
Both the RACGP and AMA have released statements highlighting the long-lasting value that Professor Murtagh’s legacy will provide to Australian medicine at large.
“His seminal textbook, John Murtagh’s General Practice, first published in 1994 and now in its ninth edition, was our guide during medical school and into our general practice training,” RACGP president Dr Michael Wright said.
“Professor Murtagh’s ability to explain both complex concepts and practical procedures in an approachable and engaging way made his work essential reading for any future GPs.
“Professor Murtagh leaves a lasting legacy of transforming general practice and family medicine in Australia, and across the world.
“Ask anyone who met Professor Murtagh, and they will tell you that he was such a sincere and humble person dedicated to improving the lives of others.”
In 2018, the AMA awarded Professor Murtagh with its highest honour, the AMA gold medal.
At the time, then-AMA president Dr Michael Gannon called Professor Murtagh’s contribution to general practice “incomparable”.
“Throughout his career, Professor Murtagh revolutionised medical education through his innovative teaching methods, empowered patients by making medical knowledge accessible, and inspired countless doctors with his compassionate, patient-centred approach to care,” AMA president Dr Danielle McMullen said.
“As we farewell this giant of Australian medicine, we celebrate a life devoted to healing, teaching, and advancing healthcare not just in Australia, but across the world.”
