John Roger Doig BSc, MB, ChB, Dip Obst, FRCOG, FRANZCOG
John Doig, an esteemed Christchurch gynaecologist and obstetrician, died suddenly three days before his 67th birthday. In his professional career he achieved many noteworthy milestones which will ensure that his name will be remembered with both admiration and gratitude in the area of women’s health.
After graduating from the University of Otago in 1973, John worked at Christchurch Women’s Hospital before completing three years of post graduate training in Scotland. Upon his return he worked as a tutor specialist and became a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist to the Canterbury District Health Board in 1983. After setting up in private practice in the mid-1980s he worked in both the public and private areas, becoming a clinical lecturer for the University of Otago and a senior lecturer in 1996. As a kind and compassionate innovator he helped to establish the first in-vitro fertilization unit in the South Island and pioneered keyhole surgery for the management of endometriosis to improve health outcomes for girls and women. He also helped to establish the Oxford Clinic Women’s Health and Hospital.
In recognition for his services to women’s health John was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
Although his passion for the game was sadly not matched by his playing ability, John was an enthusiastic Willower and armchair cricket critic. Possessing a sharp mind and a keen eye, John’s vocal exchanges at the television screen whilst observing an umpire’s decision or a Black Caps performance, whether positive or negative, was legendary. Although John doesn’t feature on The Willows cumulative statistics list, as he would have had to play a lifetime if he was to make the minimum of 200 runs to qualify for an entry, he did grace the field for an occasional match. He will be remembered more for getting off the mark in one match and staggering down the other end, pulling two hamstrings in the process, and being attended to, on the pitch, by Professor Hamid Ikram, New Zealand’s leading cardiologist and medium swing bowler who has graced many cricket grounds in his career.
John had a passion for thoroughbred breeding and racing, fishing in the Marlborough Sounds, golf
and singing, where he became known as the singing surgeon when operating. With his fine baritone voice he was well known as a soloist in the Kilmarnock Edition Celtic band, making four recordings.
John’s humour, humility, drive to assist others and his love of his family and sport will be long remembered by those fortunate enough to have known him. His was a life well lived, although it was taken too soon.