Sir George Douglas Robb, CMG (29 April 1899 – 28 April 1974) was a New Zealand surgeon, medical reformer, writer, and university chancellor. He is recognized as a pioneer in cardiothoracic surgery in New Zealand.
Early life and education
Robb was born in Auckland, New Zealand, on 29 April 1899. He was educated at Auckland Grammar School and later at the University of Otago, where he earned a Bachelor of Science and an MB ChB in 1922. He subsequently pursued advanced surgical training in England, working toward his Fellowship alongside fellow pioneer thoracic surgeons.
Career
Robb practiced as a consulting surgeon in Auckland, attached to Auckland General Hospital and later Green Lane Hospital. Although essentially a general surgeon, he became the founding figure of a cardiothoracic centre at Green Lane Hospital, which developed a worldwide reputation. He was regarded by many in New Zealand medical circles as a "persistent dissenter" and a "passionate reformer," making significant contributions to medical education, cardiothoracic surgery, and health research initiatives.
Robb was influential in the formation of the Auckland Medical School as part of the University of Auckland. He served as Chancellor of the University of Auckland from 1961 to 1968. From 1961 to 1962, he held the position of President of the British Medical Association.
Honours
In 1953, Robb was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal. In the 1956 New Year Honours, he was appointed a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG). He was made a Knight Bachelor in the 1960 Queen's Birthday Honours.
Personal life and legacy
Robb married Helen Seabrook on 6 November 1935. He was a close friend of the New Zealand poet and writer A. R. D. Fairburn, whose poem "To a Friend in the Wilderness" was dedicated to Robb. His autobiography, Medical Odyssey, was published in 1967. A series of annual lectures at the University of Auckland has been named after him.
Robb died in his sleep on the morning of his 75th birthday, 28 April 1974. His widow, Lady Robb, died in the 1979 Mount Erebus disaster.
