Legendary Aussie GP Emeritus Professor John Murtagh AO dies aged 89
Legendary Australian doctor Emeritus Professor John Murtagh AO has passed away at the age of 89.
Dr Murtagh is famous for authoring the seminal book John Murtagh’s General Practice in 1994, which served as a guidebook for thousands of young doctors in medical school and general practice training.
His daughter, Julie Tullberg, announced her father’s death in a tribute message on Linkedin, remembering him as a “pioneer.”
“I am saddened to share that my father, Professor John Murtagh, passed away peacefully today surrounded by our family,” he said.
“Even though he lived a long and full life, it’s a shock when it comes to your father. He was 89 years old.
“We are extremely proud of his legacy in medicine. My father’s work has guided generations of doctors in more than 20 countries, and his textbooks have been translated into many languages.
“He finished his last textbook, General Practice, just a few weeks ago.
“Dad was a pioneer when he was at Monash University. We are so lucky to learn from his humble ways. RIP Dad.”
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said Professor Murtagh was “able to explain both complex concepts and practical procedures in an approachable and engaging way”.
“Professor Murtagh leaves a lasting legacy in transforming general practice and family medicine in Australia and around the world,” he said.
“In 2007, he was awarded the RACGP Life Fellowship award, and in the same year he was awarded the World Organization of Family Physicians Life Fellowship award for his contributions to global family medicine.”
Dr Wright said Professor Murtagh’s childhood experience with polio sparked his passion for medicine.
“His life experiences shaped his work for years to come,” he said.
“He contracted polio when he was eight years old and spent months recovering, which helped spark a lifelong interest in medicine.
“Professor Murtagh practiced for many years as a rural general practitioner in South Neerim, at the foothills of the Great Dividing Ranges, and was highly respected by his colleagues and the many patients he cared for.
“Professor Murtagh and his wife Jill enjoyed the opportunity to be the only medical doctors in their small community and said it was the best part of his career.”
Professor Murtagh was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2019 for his services to medicine.
