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College Roll Bio

Harpur, Malcolm Denholme Hunter


Qualifications
MB ChM Syd (1923) MRACP (1939) DA Syd (1946) FFARACS (1957)
Born
14/07/1901
Died
23/11/1959

Malcolm Harpur was born in Brisbane, studied medicine at the University of Sydney and, after graduation in 1923, served two years as a resident medical officer at Fremantle Hospital in Western Australia. In 1926 he entered general practice at Lakemba, a Sydney suburb, where he remained for many years. He was appointed an honorary medical officer to Canterbury District Memorial Hospital at its foundation. After gaining the MRACP in 1939 he served in the AAMC as a major from 1942 to 1945. Becoming interested in anaesthetics he gained the DA in 1946 and was appointed an honorary assistant anaesthetist at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in 1947. He held that position until his death in 1959.

The mental picture of Malcolm Harpur is of a tall man, rather stooped, greyish in hair and complexion, and, if memory can be trusted, with a half-smoked cigarette somewhere about. Perhaps the reason so little is clearly recollected about him is that he was such a very quiet man - not self-effacing, but a man of marked economy in word and action.

Harpur lectured to the candidates sitting for the DA examination, more in general medicine than in anaesthetics. He was excellently equipped for this with his Membership and the fact that he was in general practice. He would always break off in his lecture and answer questions or comments, courteously and to the point. The image retained by those who knew him is of a man who knew his subject perfectly, imparted his knowledge efficiently, and never used two words where one would do - but without abruptness, always with care and courtesy.

Author

PL JOBSON

References

Last Updated

May 30, 2018, 17:37 PM
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