Dr Geoffrey McDonald, President of the College, 1978-1980, died in Sydney on 24 June. He was an outstanding general physician in Sydney and a leader within the College, following in the steps of his father, Sir Charles McDonald, former Chancellor of the University of Sydney and President of the College from 1954 to 1956.

Geoffrey was educated at Christian Brothers College Waverley and St Ignatius College Riverview, and completed his medical studies at the University of Sydney in 1945. He married Marcella when they were both Residents at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.

Geoffrey McDonald was admitted as a Member of the College in 1948 and to Fellowship in 1960. He was also admitted to membership of the Royal College of Physicians of London in 1950, and to Fellowship in 1968, and subsequently, in 1978, to Honorary Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow and to the American College of Physicians in 1979.

Dr McDonald was appointed assistant to the Honorary Secretary of the RACP in 1956, and in 1966 was appointed Honorary Secretary, holding that position for four years. In 1970 he was elected to membership of the Council. He was
appointed Vice-President in 1976 and in 1978 was elected to the Presidency.

One of his particular interests within the College was constitutional matters, and for many years he was Chair of the Constitutional Committee. There are many features of his College service which will be remembered, but to many it will be his remarkable competence and legal ability in the preparation of new Articles and By-Laws, reflecting the new directions in which the College Council was heading in relation to physician training, Fellowship and continuing education.

Both Geoffrey and his wife, Marcella, were particularly hospitable, and together they were very involved in the 50 Year celebrations of the College in 1988. Within their family, four of their five children went into medicine and the other entered the social work discipline.

Dr McDonald was involved in undergraduate and postgraduate medical teaching from 1951 through to his retirement, and was appointed by the University of Sydney as first Warden of the Clinical School at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. In 1983 Sydney University awarded him the degree of Doctor of Medicine honoris causa in recognition of his contribution to the University, the medical profession and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. In addition to his College and hospital activities, he was a member of the Council of the Australian National University from 1966 to 1974.

For many years Geoffrey had been in deteriorating health as degenerative bone disease limited his comfort and mobility. In his characteristic and uncomplaining way he welcomed visitors to share in pleasant and at times mischievous conversation until his final weeks.