Peter G. Jones - Paediatric Surgeon

September 26, 1922 – March 15, 1995

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Peter Jones commenced his career as a consultant surgeon at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne in 1953. At this time he became a member of the thoracic surgical team involved in the management of oesophageal atresia at the very beginning of its history at that institution and indeed, in Australasia. The first successful repair of oesophageal atresia in Australasia was performed at Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne by Peter’s boss Russell Howard in 1949.

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John Court (Senior Paediatrician) who succeeded Peter as editor wrote a tribute to Peter and I quote “his own column “A Word’s Worth” exemplified his love of the English language and his major text books “Jones’ Clinical Paediatric Surgery” and “Tumours in infancy and childhood” attest to his outstanding achievements as author and editor”.

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One of Peter’s mentors was the renowned pioneer of Paediatric Surgery Sir Denis Browne under whom he trained at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children in London. Sir Denis had considerable influence on Peter to the extent that he routinely operated with some Denis Browne designed surgical instruments throughout his career.

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Peter Jones' transition to retirement was almost imperceptible. Admittedly, he stepped down from active clinical practice in 1988, but let me assure his energy did not wane.  He remained active within the College, continuing as a Councillor until his death in 1995.