John Gibson (Ian) Taylor
BMJ 2006; 332 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.332.7534.182-f (Published 19 January 2006) Cite this as: BMJ 2006;332:182
Data supplement
John Gibson (Ian) Taylor
Former consultant orthopaedic surgeon Norfolk and Norwich Hospital (b 8 June 1918; q St Mary’s Hospital, London 1941;VRD, FRCS) died after deteriorating health and muscle wasting disease on 24 August 2005.Ian Taylor was a surgeon of outstanding ability in the best traditions of "The Norwich School of Orthopaedic Surgery," being appointed in 1954, on the death of the legendary Tommy Brittain. Graduating at St Mary’s Hospital in 1941, he spent his pre-registration year there before joining the Royal Navy in 1942. Ian served in the North Atlantic escorting convoys to Russia, being discharged in 1946 as surgeon lieutenant commander. His career in orthopaedic surgery started at St Mary’s Hospital, and he acquired the FRCS in 1947. Wider training continued at Oxford with many famous surgeons, including Pennybacker. Ian remained an active member of the "Girdlestone Club."
Embracing all aspects of orthopaedics, Ian excelled in newer techniques. Surgery of rheumatoid disease helped his medical colleagues establish a recognised centre of excellence in the unlikely setting of a peripheral workhouse—the operating theatre being a converted stable block.
A natural talent for teaching incorporated high standards for juniors, and his courteous and meticulous approach was apparent to all. Conscience would not allow him to cancel commitments, and extended to the underprivileged. In 1965 Ian and his wife, Fodhla, an anaesthetist, spent several months in Nigeria.
Never a committee man, he served two years on the Council of the British Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, regularly attending meetings after retirement. Ian enjoyed meetings of the Percival Pott Club associated with a Norwich-Bart’s rotation when he saw many satisfied trainees.
Outside medicine the Taylors loved sailing, skiing, shooting, and farming. During annual "orthopaedic" skiing and scientific visits to Zurs he fractured his leg in 1982: like Percival Pott he returned to his own hospital for treatment.
His last trip abroad was to Murmansk in 2001, when many were awarded a medal of honour to commemorate the risks taken in convoys to Russia.
He and his wife, Fodhla, who survives him, had a wide circle of friends: many attended his funeral service held in Wymondham Abbey on 5 September 2005. [Neil Cardoe, Alan Green]