Walter Vincent Anderson
BMJ 2005; 331 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.331.7511.296 (Published 28 July 2005) Cite this as: BMJ 2005;331:296Data supplement
Walter Vincent Anderson
Former general practitioner Scarborough (b Blyth 1934; q Newcastle 1958), d 24 June 2005.After preregistration posts at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle Walter started his career in obstetrics, when he would quote the commonest reason for admission as being "failed forceps on district!" He joined Dr Webb as an associate in general practice in Birmingham, but following the 1966 Charter he relocated to Edinburgh University Medical School as lecturer in general practice.
With his wife and two young children he settled in Scarborough in 1967, replacing Dr Flatley when she retired in the Danes Dyke practice, where he remained in partnership until 1994.
During these years he was clinical assistant in ear, nose, and throat at Scarborough Hospital, but is better remembered for his contribution to teaching in general practice and helping to make it a specialty in its own right.
Starting as the first trainer in Scarborough, he then became first course organiser and subsequently deputy regional adviser.
His was the first practice in Yorkshire to employ a practice nurse, and training for practice nurses was actively encouraged by Walter.
He taught medical students from Leeds on their GP attachment. He became continuing medical education tutor for Scarborough from 1996 to 1999, and his biannual five day conferences were well attended and highly respected by his colleagues.
He was asked to become an examiner for the Royal College of General Practitioners and saved the embarrassment of his peers when they realised that, although an active member of the college, Walter had never actually taken the membership examination, by sitting it and passing with distinction.
The college later made him a fellow in recognition of his work. He was provost of the Yorkshire faculty and also received the Yorkshire Grit Award.
Following retirement from general practice he became clinical assistant at the Scarborough Hospice.
When not working, Walter pursued many interests, including gardening, military history, philately and collecting first day covers in particular, caravanning, walking, trout fishing, travel, and wine tasting. He enjoyed books and literature, and always had a book to read.
He suffered great sadness at the loss of his first wife, Jean, from a long struggle against polycythaemia, but found happiness again after his retirement with his second wife, Sue.
Tragically in December 2003 he survived a ruptured ascending aortic aneurysm but suffered surgical complications, which left him a paraplegic confined to a wheelchair.
After rehabilitation in Pinderfields he fought his disability bravely at home.
He died peacefully at the York Hospice and was cared for by a doctor who had been a student of his some 21 years earlier.
He leaves behind his second wife, Sue; a son and daughter, both GPs; and four young grandchildren. [Sally Anderson]
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