Legendary Aussie GP Emeritus Professor John Murtagh AO dies aged 89

Legendary Australian doctor Emeritus Professor John Murtagh AO has passed away aged 89.

Dr Murtagh is renowned for penning the seminal 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 passing in a tribute posted to Linkedin, remembering him a “trailblazer”.

“I’m saddened to share that my father, Professor John Murtagh, passed away peacefully today, surrounded by our family,” she said.

“Although he lived a long and full life, it comes as a shock when it’s your Dad’s time. He was 89.

“We’re super proud of his legacy in medicine. Dad’s work has guided generations of doctors — across more than 20 countries — and his textbooks have been translated into numerous languages.

“He finished his final textbook, General Practice, just weeks ago.

“Dad was a trailblazer during his time at Monash University. We are most fortunate to learn from his humble ways. RIP Dad.”

RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said Professor Murtagh could “explain both complex concepts and practical procedures in an approachable and engaging way”.

“Professor Murtagh leaves a lasting legacy of transforming general practice and family medicine in Australia, and across the world,” he said.

“In 2007, he was awarded Life Fellowship of the RACGP, and, in the same year, he was awarded Life Fellowship of the World Organization of Family Doctors, in recognition of his contributions to global family medicine.”

Dr Wright said Professor Murtagh childhood experience with polio had sparked his passion for medicine.

“His life experiences shaped his work for years to come,” he said.

“Aged eight, he contracted polio and spent many months convalescing, and this helped spark a lifelong interest in medicine.

“Professor Murtagh worked for many years as a rural GP in Neerim South in the foothills of the Great Dividing Ranges and was held in the highest regard by his colleagues and the many patients he cared for.

“Professor Murtagh and his wife Jill relished the opportunity of being the only medical practitioners in their small community, saying that 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.