Derek Conmar Robinson
BMJ 2006; 332 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.332.7532.56-b (Published 05 January 2006) Cite this as: BMJ 2006;332:56Data supplement
Derek Conmar Robinson
Consultant paediatrician York 1970-84, research fellow London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine 1984-5, and consultant community paediatrician Newham 1985-94 (b 19 March 1928; q Oxford 1952; MA, FRCP, LMCC, FRCPCH), d 17 September 2004.
The murder of Derek and Jean Robinson in September 2004 by a stranger suffering from schizophrenia has brought huge pain and shock to their very many friends and family. This was an untimely end to two lives lived to the full, devoted to others and to peace.
Derek was a man extraordinary in many ways. Interested in everyone and everything; there were few things he had not turned his mind to. As well as a long spanning and widely acknowledged career in paediatrics he was extremely interested in ornithology and archaeology, and was a keen walker and nature lover.
Qualifying in physiology at New College, Oxford, prepared Derek for a lifetime of inquiry and publication in neonatal physiology, child development, and tropical disease. His experience in Nigeria during national service in the 1950s awakened an interest in tropical medicine, and in primary childcare in Africa in particular.
Before returning to Africa in 1967 with his wife and children, Derek had taken house jobs in London, Oxford, and Cambridge, done three years in general practice, as well as a year working in paediatrics in Vancouver, and was senior registrar at the department of child health in Newcastle.
In 1967 Derek took up the post of lecturer in paediatrics at Makere University, Uganda. While living in Kampala he was also honorary consultant at Mulago Hospital and director of the Save the Children Fund Nutrition Rehabilitation Unit.
On returning from Uganda the Robinsons settled in York, where for 14 years Derek was consultant paediatrician. Here he developed particular interests in diabetes, thyroid disorders, coeliac disease, and the care of the newborn. Derek’s field of influence and interest stretched far beyond his post in York. He was honorary lecturer in social paediatrics in Leeds, where he taught regularly and ran weekly seminars. Three months were spent in Khartoum as visiting paediatrician of the Inter-University Council; and he examined in paediatrics at the universities of Makere and Leeds, for DCH London, and was external examiner for the West African Postgraduate College on behalf of the RCP.
In 1984 they moved to London, where Derek took up the post of research fellow at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and travelled widely studying tropical ulcer. Subsequently he returned to paediatrics, becoming consultant community paediatrician at Newham Health Authority, with a particular interest in immunisation, adoption, and children with disabilities. He lectured at the University of East London and was tutor at the London Institute of Child Health.
On retiring in 1994 he volunteered as a paediatrician with the Medical Foundation for the Victims of Torture, and became a leading authority on the ageing process of adolescents—of crucial importance to young refugees in determining whether they were adults or minors. He continued his African travels with Jean, who worked for Christian Aid as communications officer for west Africa.
Half a century of work, research, and teaching dedicated to child health and disadvantaged children has made a very positive impact on the many children that came into contact with Derek over his long and varied career. Derek and Jean had very many close friends and their home was always filled with people, conversation, and laughter. They were very close to their two daughters, and had discovered, in the years before their death, the joys of grandchildren. They are deeply missed by all who knew and loved them. [Kate Anderson, Margaret Hall, Robert Hall]
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