Michael was born in Sydney and grew up in Summer Hill and Hunters Hill. He attended Summer Hill Public School and went on to Sydney Grammar. Initially planning to do engineering like his father he changed his mind in his final year and applied to do Medicine at Sydney University graduating in 1970.

In 1974, Michael became a member of the college having spent time at Sydney Hospital and Concord Hospital including Goroka in New Guinea. From 1977 until 1982 he lived in England working at Brompton Hospital in London in occupational health. It was in London he was awarded his MBE for services to the British Army.

On returning to Sydney, Michael with others, established Sydney Hospital Occupational Health Service while also commencing a private practice at Penrith and eventually at Nepean Hospital. There Michael performed with distinction in many areas — he set up the respiratory medicine department, staying as head of department for over 15 years. He had a large role in the administration of the medical division with a particular interest in quality improvement, education, and safety issues. His input in meetings was always impressively tactful.Then in 2000 Michael dipped into the realm of country physician, a role for which he was clearly suited and which he relished. His practice extended from Forbes to Dubbo and towns in between.

He died suddenly in Orange in 2017. It was said by his colleagues that Michael had wisdom’s analytical perceptiveness as regards health and he was a compassionate and caring physician. His patients loved him. He was endlessly patient and a fabulous listener. He was also quietly eccentric and somewhat shy — he never wanted to be part of a crowd. He truly didn’t care for appearances. Michael left behind his wife, Prue and their three children Elizabeth, Katharine and James.