A visionary and innovator, Dr Don Child’s legacy includes many firsts for the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH), where he completed his internship and later in his career became chief executive officer.

Don began his medical career at the University of Sydney in 1949, where he played prop forward in the University 1st XV rugby team. He graduated in 1956 and completed his internship at RPAH, where he rose through the ranks as a junior medical officer and medical registrar, gaining membership of the RACP in 1960.

Don achieved Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of Medical Administrators (RACMA) in 1967 and Fellowship of the RACP in 1971. In 1992 he was awarded the RACMA College Medal in recognition of his contributions to postgraduate medical administrative training and the creation of requirements for ongoing professional development.

Don was general superintendent and chief executive officer of the RPAH from 1967 to 1987, a period during which there were spectacular technological advances in the practice of medicine.

Under Don’s stewardship, the RPAH underwent remarkable changes in its structure, function and culture. Don valued and enhanced the reputation of the hospital as a centre of excellence for patient care, health education and training, and research.

He also ensured that the hospital kept pace with advances in technology, championing key programs such as the installation of a cyclotron, a particle accelerator which allowed for the development of nuclear medicine, and the Liver Transplantation Program.

Don was also committed to the wider aspects of community welfare. RPAH was one of the first hospitals in Australia to have Departments of Community Medicine and Drug & Alcohol Services and to develop a Community Care Teaching Unit.

Among other important changes at RPAH overseen by Don was the introduction of academic headship of units and academic titles for hospital staff.

Don also greatly influenced national health policy, contributing to key national bodies and advocating for ongoing quality improvements in service delivery and raising the professional capacity of medical administrators.

Don was a foundation councillor and vice-president of the Australian Council on Health Care Standards (1979 to 1980). He was Australia’s nominee to the International Hospitals Federation and was made a member of its Council of Management (1987 to 1993).

His contributions to the broader aspects of healthcare and hospital administration were recognised by awards and honours that reflect the esteem in which he was held.

The Australian Healthcare Association – previously the Australian Hospitals’ Association – recognised his many years as a Councillor and his term as president by awarding him its prestigious Sidney Sax Medal for his contributions to Australian Public Hospitals.

In 1992, Don was made a Member of the Order of Australia in the General Division for his services to medical administration. In 1997 he was made an Honorary Life Member of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Sydney.

Don also served in the Royal Australian Army Medical Corps from 1958 until 1986, retiring with the rank of lieutenant-colonel and an Efficiency Decoration award. This part of his career may have inspired the deep and knowledgeable interest in military history that influenced much of his leisure reading.

Don had a long-term involvement with the NSW Medical Board and was a key member of disciplinary and other statutory bodies under the NSW Medical Practice Act (1992) until his 80th birthday. He also served as a part-time member of the Social Security Appeals Tribunal, and as an official hospital visitor.