biographies

Wilson, Arthur Mitchell (1888 - 1947)

d.s.o., M.D. (Melb.), F.R.C.O.G.

Born
1888
Albert Park, Victoria, Australia
Died
19 December 1947
Occupation
Gynaecologist, Medical Practitioner and Obstetrician

Details

Transcription of item written by Dr Colin Macdonald and published in "The Book of Remembrance", The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, 1956.


ARTHUR MITCHELL WILSON
(1920 - 1947)

Arthur Mitchell Wilson, born at Albert Park, Victoria, in 1888, was the only son of a widowed mother. In 1901, he won a first place in the government scholarship awards enabling him to attend Scotch College. He matriculated there in 1905 and a year later commenced the study medicine at the University of Melbourne. He held both a government Exhibition and a resident scholarship at Ormond College. He graduated in 1911 and was appointed a resident medical officer to the Melbourne Hospital. This was followed by a trip to China as a ship’s surgeon. On his return, he joined the resident staff of the Women’s Hospital where he came under the particular influence of R.H. Fetherston.

In 1915, Wilson married Miss Rita McLeod, member of a famous Australian cricketing family. Shortly after, with the Australian Imperial Forces, he proceeded overseas with the 3rd Australian General Hospital. At Lemnos, he contracted paratyphoid. Recovering from this illness, he was posted to France, and there was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for meritorious work during the Battle of the Somme. He was promoted to Lieutenant-colonel and commanded the 7th Field Ambulance. During this time he investigated “the factors which determine the arrangements required for the transportation of battle casualties”. His report was later published in the “Official History of the Australian Army Services”.

Returning to Melbourne in 1919 he joined Dr Roy Wawn in practice in Prahran and the following year was appointed to the honorary staff of the Women’s Hospital; from that time his interest was largely directed towards obstetrics. By his quiet influence, he was mainly responsible for the welding of the honorary staff of this hospital into a highly efficient unit.

In 1926, Arthur Wilson succeeded R.H. Morrison as Lecturer in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Melbourne. He relinquished this position in 1929, when Robert Marshall Allan, as first Professor of Obstetrics, took over these duties. It was during this period that Arthur Wilson, by his ability to blend the theoretical with the practical, and his clarity of presentation, established himself as a master of the teaching of obstetrics. He was a Foundation Fellow in Australia of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and did much to further its aims and interests in this country.

In 1931, a re-organisation of the honorary staff appointments at the Women’s Hospital compelled his transfer to the gynaecological side. His great knowledge of obstetrics, acquired from an immense hospital, private, and consultant practice, was, however, always readily available. One of Arthur Wilson’s greatest pleasures was a friendly discussion on a difficult obstetrical problem. These, he invariably enriched with interesting anecdotes and sound advice. He was a superb manipulative obstetrician, and his gentleness and dexterity on such occasions was a joy to witness.

As a young man Arthur Wilson was a keen athlete, and gained blues in athletics and football at the University. He had a great love of family life and was devoted to his wife and four children.

Arthur Wilson truly dedicated his life to obstetrics. He never refused a request for his care or help. He never criticised nor spoke disparagingly of others and was universally respected, admired and held in great affection. He died on December 19th 1947, after a hopeless and painful illness, but will always be remembered as one of the greatest Australian obstetricians.

Archival/Heritage Resources

Royal Women's Hospital Archives

  • Book of Remembrance, 1956 - 1975; Royal Women's Hospital Archives [ Details... ].

Prepared by: Robyn Waymouth

Created: 20 September 2006, Last modified: 26 November 2006