John Anderson

John Anderson

Former professor of medicine King’s College Hospital, London (b 11 September 1921; q Durham 1950), d 26 June 2002.

Dr J Anderson was born before the NHS was formed and education was free by right. He earned his place at grammar school and then, with a scholarship, read history at university. On graduation he was called up to the army as an officer. In the United Kingdom he survived cellulitis in his arm, being treated with the then new antibiotics, and then active service in the desert war. Latterly he was involved in construction of artillery tables for firing at elevation angles of over 45° on Salisbury Plain. On returning from war he took up the promise of further education, free to the armed services’ survivors. He read medicine at Durham University. He progressed through the hospital jobs and then started research in Boston, United States. After further jobs at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, and University College Hospital, London, he settled to the appointment of the first professor of medicine at King’s College Hospital. His university job was sometimes at odds with his part-time consultant colleagues. He was innovative in research, education, and medical computing. He also enjoyed his input to medical education in India and the Far East. He retired in 1986 after years of NHS service, with little thanks. Medicine had not left much time for interests but he managed to enjoy DIY, travel, computing, and his family. His health declined in the last few years and he died from sepsis after a hip replacement operation. He is survived by his wife and three sons. [Betty Anderson]