Philip Benjamin was born at Natte Yalloch near Avoca, Victoria in 1907, into a close-knit staunch Methodist family of five boys and two girls. He was educated at Caulfield Grammar School and the University of Melbourne, graduating in medicine in 1930. He was a resident medical officer at the then Melbourne Hospital for the next three years, followed by three years in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), during which he obtained his MD degree and incidentally, learned to fly. The years from 1935, until the outbreak of the Second World War were spent in general practice in Thirroul, NSW. Six years of war service followed as a RAAF medical officer. He rose to the rank of group captain, and included in his career several months as the Deputy Director General Medical Service (RAAF).
In 1941, he married Dr Jean Fitz-John, and after the war they moved to Albury and group general practice. Philip had successfully passed the MRACP examination during his time in the services and he began to build up a reputation as a keen incisive physician. It is not generally known that he was also a well trained, competent and dextrous surgeon from GP days in the coal fields of NSW, until the outbreak of World War II, and later in Albury NSW.
In 1952, the family moved to Sydney, and Philip (and later Jean) began the specialisation in rheumatic diseases that was to be his for the remainder of his life. He practised in partnership with the late Dr L J Parr, Dr Paul White, and later Dr W Cathers. During these years he was in charge of arthritis clinics at the Royal North Shore Hospital of Sydney and the Royal South Sydney Hospital, and just prior to his death at the newly established clinic at the Ryde Hospital.
An excerpt from his obituary in the 'Medical Journal of Australia' 18 September 1962, is worthy of inclusion in this resume of his life. 'Phil Benjamin was a strong and self-disciplined person of great character. He channelled his energies and medical knowledge into constructive work of high ethical standard. Direct in approach, and somewhat serious, he was discerning, honest and open always to fair discussion. With an impeccable attitude towards professional and general conduct at all times, he loathed humbug in his dealings and shoddy work, be it in superiors or subordinates, and could be rather outspoken if the occasion demanded. He earned the respect and admiration of those in authority, of people of discernment, and of the many patients he helped over the too short years of his life.' His somewhat critical seriousness mellowed in his later years, affected by his greater concern for religion and its relationship to his fellow men, thereby strengthening further his firm contribution to his country, the community and the profession through his medical work, and desire to help people.
His tragic death at the early age of 54 occurred while he was battling a treacherous rip in the surf at Avoca Beach – but that was his nature – 'He was a man, take him for all in all, I shall not look upon his like again'.