William Porteous Small
BMJ 2004; 328 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.328.7451.1322-g (Published 27 May 2004) Cite this as: BMJ 2004;328:1322Data supplement
William Porteous Small
Former general and gastrointestinal surgeon Western General Hospital, Edinburgh (b Edinburgh 1920; q Edinburgh 1942; FRCS Ed, FRCP Ed, ChM, VRD), died from prostate cancer on 25 March 2004.Bill Small devoted his life to the care of the community in Edinburgh into which he was born. He was shy and unassuming, sustained by an awareness of his considerable gifts; a very fine doctor and surgeon, clinical scientist, trainer of surgeons, and family man
After graduation, Bill served in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (1942-66), retiring as surgeon commander. Following training in Edinburgh he was appointed consultant surgeon in 1955. He pioneered surgical audit with the gastric follow up clinic for patients who had undergone surgery for duodenal ulcer. His work included the recurrence of duodenal ulceration after gastroenterostomy, the results of a policy of selective surgical treatment of duodenal ulceration, the concept of earning peptic ulcer surgery, and papers monitoring the health and wellbeing of patients after surgery. His paper in the New England Journal of Medicine on the late mortality after surgery for peptic ulceration showed the significant effect of smoking on these patients’ expectation of life. Smoking significantly increased their chances of requiring surgery and significantly shortened life expectation.
Bill and his wife, Tordis, organised many popular hospital events. He enjoyed cycling, woodwork, gardening, tuneless whistling, the Friends of the Hospital, and the kirk.
He leaves his wife, Tordis; three sons and two adopted daughters; and seven grandchildren. [Martin Eastwood]
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