Richard Gordon (Scottish author)

Richard Gordon (Scottish author) was the pseudonym of Gordon Stanley Ostlere (1921-2017), a Scottish surgeon and author. He is best known for his humorous "Doctor" series of novels, beginning with Doctor in the House (1952), which were inspired by his own experiences as a medical student and junior doctor.

Gordon studied medicine at St Bartholomew's Hospital Medical College in London. After qualifying as a surgeon, he began writing in his spare time. The success of Doctor in the House led to a full-time career as an author.

His "Doctor" novels were adapted into a long-running series of films, starting with Doctor in the House (1954), and later a television series. These adaptations further cemented Gordon's reputation as a leading comedic writer.

While the "Doctor" series is his most famous work, Gordon also wrote other novels, plays, and screenplays, often drawing upon his medical background for inspiration. He also authored several non-fiction books, including an autobiography titled Gordon, Doctor and Gentleman (1993). His works provided a lighthearted and often satirical look at the medical profession in post-war Britain.