John Hector Scotson

John Hector Scotson was a much loved general practitioner, known for his kind, gentle, unhurried, and calm approach. His great listening skills stemmed from a genuine interest in patients and their families. His cheerful disposition was rarely troubled, and he was always polite and self effacing. He was a partner in Timperley, near Altrincham, for 35 years and was a trainer for 20 of these. While he was in practice and well after retiring, many of his articles and letters were published in medical journals and national newspapers. Subjects that particularly engaged his interest included iatrogenic effects in medicine, delay in cancer diagnosis in primary care, and, especially, medical ethics, where he stood up for Christian and Hippocratic principles, opposing calls for euthanasia and embryo experimentation. His well known views on ethical principles …