Cecil Berl Collins
BMJ 2006; 332 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.332.7532.55-a (Published 05 January 2006) Cite this as: BMJ 2006;332:55Data supplement
Cecil Berl Collins
Former general practitioner Port Elizabeth, South Africa, and doctor to kibbutz Givat Brenner, Israel (b Port Elizabeth 1924; reared and school education in Bloemfontein; q University of Cape Town 1950; MFGP (SA)), died following a stroke on 26 August 2005.
Cecil Berl Collins left university in his first year at the University of Cape Town in 1942 to join the South African Air Force to train as a navigator. In 1944 he was seconded to the Royal Air Force. He was sent to Egypt and then to Palestine to the RAF operational training station at Akir. He was posted to the 99th Royal Airforce Squadron and sent to India. Here he saw active service on raids over Burma. After two years’ service he returned to Pretoria to fly shuttle services bringing troops back to South Africa, flying Dakota aircraft.
In 1953 he entered general practice in Port Elizabeth. He served on the hospital advisory committee and was a foundation member of the South African chapter of the Royal College of General Practitioners. This preceded the formation of the South African College. He was on the executive committee from 1973. He wrote the exam in 1974 and later served as an examiner. He always tried to make the case for general practitioner vocational training based on the British model.
As was the norm in smaller cities and towns in South Africa he acquired wide skills in obstetrics, anaesthetics, and limited surgery. Prior to emigrating to Israel in 1980, to join his daughter with his wife, Phyllis, he sought further hospital training in anaesthetics.
He was much respected as a caring, warm, and skilful doctor.
His hobbies included music, of which he was very knowledgeable, and he was an exceptionally competent cabinet maker. He was a keen bowls player and he and his wife, Phyllis, enjoyed spending time assisting the blind bowlers.
He leaves a wife, Phyllis; two sons; a daughter; and five grandchildren. [D W Levy]
See more
- Introductory AddressProv Med Surg J October 03, 1840, s1-1 (1) 1-4; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.s1-1.1.1
- Report of the Meeting of the Eastern Branch of the Provincial Association at Bury St. Edmond'sProv Med Surg J October 03, 1840, s1-1 (1) 10-13; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.s1-1.1.10
- Mr. Warburton's Bill for the Regulation of the Medical ProfessionProv Med Surg J October 03, 1840, s1-1 (1) 13-15; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.s1-1.1.13
- An Atlas of Plates, illustrative of the Principles and Practice of Obstetric Medicine and Surgery, with descriptive LetterpressProv Med Surg J October 03, 1840, s1-1 (1) 4; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.s1-1.1.4
- A Practical Treatise on the Diseases peculiar to Women, illustrated by Cases, &cProv Med Surg J October 03, 1840, s1-1 (1) 4-5; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.s1-1.1.4-a