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GP's refresher still on course after three decades

10 December 2008

Professor Steve Wesselingh with Professor John Murtagh.
Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences Professor Steve Wesselingh with Professor John Murtagh.

It is a rare GP who doesn't have a copy of Murtagh's General Practice stored in their bookcase.

The book has become one of the must-have references for GPs and has been translated into 10 languages.

Author Professor John Murtagh's relationship with the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences began in 1961, when he gave up his career as a science teacher to study medicine with the first group of Monash medical students.

After graduating, he trained in surgery, worked extensively in general practice in rural Victoria, and developed a special interest in musculo-skeletal medicine.

He has since taught over 3000 GPs the basic skills of mobilisation and joint injection, and has completed a doctorate on the management of back pain in general practice.

Despite retiring in 2004 Professor Murtagh continues in an educational role in the faculty's School of Primary Health Care.

He recently convened his 30th annual refresher course for general practitioners.

Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences Professor Steve Wesselingh recently celebrated Professor Murtagh's ongoing contribution to general practice, and presented him with a commemorative plaque to honour the milestone.

For more information see the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences website.