Victoria's Melbourne — Emeritus Professor John Murtagh AO, a well-known figure in Australian general practice and a global authority on family medicine, passed away, and the medical community is in mourning.

 Victoria's Melbourne — Emeritus Professor John Murtagh AO, a well-known figure in Australian primary care and a respected family medicine specialist globally, passed away, and the healthcare industry is in mourning. in the age of 89, Professor Murtagh died quietly in the company of his loved ones in Melbourne's Alfred Hospital.

Professor Murtagh, affectionately described as "Australia's most well-known GP," made significant contributions to the general practice sector. First released in 1994, his ground-breaking book John Murtagh's General Practice has become an essential tool in medical education, serving as a thorough manual for both aspiring and experienced medical professionals. The 1,535-page textbook has been translated into other languages, demonstrating its global relevance and is praised for its practical approach.

Apart from his writings, Professor Murtagh was an enthusiastic teacher and guide. He held positions at Monash University and the University of Melbourne as a Professorial Fellow of General Practice, where he helped mold the careers of many medical professionals. He was respected by peers and students for his enthusiasm for teaching and ability to clarify complex medical concepts.

The influence of Professor Murtagh extended outside of Australia. He was an adjunct clinical professor at the University of Notre Dame in Western Australia and a visiting professor at Peking University in Beijing, China. His work has played a significant role in shaping general practice education worldwide, and his impact still inspires medical professionals everywhere.

He was described as a "colossus of Australian general practice" by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), which expressed deep sorrow at his passing. His contribution to improving the field's standards and his enduring influence on the profession were highlighted by the RACGP.

Professor Murtagh's death marks the end of an important chapter in Australian medical history. His contributions have had a lasting impact on the field of general practice, and future generations of healthcare professionals will continue to be guided by his legacy.

Professor Murtagh completed the most recent version of his textbook in his last weeks, demonstrating his lifelong commitment to teaching and passion for advancing medical knowledge. Until the end of his illustrious career, he remained steadfast in his dedication to the field.

Professor Murtagh's legacy serves as a potent reminder of the value of education, compassion, and dedication in influencing the future of healthcare as the medical community considers his life and contributions. In addition to improving general practice, his work has had a profound effect on countless lives all over the world.