George Douglas Robb

Sir George Douglas Robb (1899–1974) was a New Zealand surgeon, medical reformer, writer, and university chancellor. He was educated at the Auckland Grammar School and at the University of Otago (MB ChB). Robb had a reputation as something of a maverick and a rebel against the conventional medical establishment, as is discussed in a chapter in Brian Easton's book [http://www.eastonbh.ac.nz/modules.php?name=News&file=print&sid=605 The Nationbuilders] .

Robb was influential in the formation of the Auckland Medical School as part of the University of Auckland.

Robb was a close friend of the New Zealand poet and writer A. R. D. Fairburn, whose [http://www.nzepc.auckland.ac.nz/authors/fairburn/friend.asp To a Friend in the Wilderness] was dedicated to Robb, as was the following limerick:

:"There once was a surgeon named Robb":"Who would take on the trickiest job":"Put a zip in your foreskin":"Sew on some more skin":"Or screw up your nuts for a bob"

Douglas Robb died in his sleep on the morning of his 74th birthday.

References

* [http://www.dnzb.govt.nz/dnzb/default.asp?Find_Quick.asp?PersonEssay=5R15 Entry in the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography]
*Robb, Douglas, Medical Odyssey, Auckland & London: Collins, 1968
* [http://www.eastonbh.ac.nz/modules.php?name=News&file=print&sid=605 Brian Easton, The Nationbuilders] , chapter 6