Vale Emeritus Professor John Murtagh AO 3 July 1936 – 18 October 2025
Image: Emeritus Professor John Murtagh AO at AO presentation with former Victorian governor Linda Dessau.
Vale Emeritus Professor John Murtagh AO
3 July 1936 – 18 October 2025
Tribute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University.
The Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (MNHS) at Monash University mourns the passing of Emeritus Professor John Murtagh AO, who passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 18, 2025. Professor Murtagh was widely and deservedly known as the ‘Grandfather of general practice’ and is remembered as a giant of Australian medicine. His incomparable contribution to general practice and his long-standing commitment to advancing the profession through medical education leave an immense and enduring legacy that defines excellence in primary care globally.
Professor Murtagh’s connection to Monash University spans over 50 years, a history forged at the very beginning of our Medical School. He was admitted to the first intake of the newly established Medical School, graduating in 1966. We are incredibly proud that he was a trailblazer during his time at Monash University.
His academic career at Monash included a transition from full-time Senior Lecturer to his appointment as Professor of General Practice and Head of Department from 1993 to 2002. He was awarded the inaugural David de Kretser Medal from Monash University in 1996, the highest honour the Faculty bestows on one of its own. Following his official retirement in 2010, he continued to work tirelessly as an academic General Practitioner and Emeritus Professor for the benefit of the Department of General Practice and the wider University. He was made a Fellow of the University in 2013.
The influence of Professor Murtagh as an educator has been remarkable and far-reaching. He is recognised as a seminal contributor to medical literature globally, with his academic works translated into numerous languages across 20 countries. His pre-eminent reference textbook, John Murtagh’s General Practice, first published in 1994, has reached its ninth edition. It served and continues to serve as a vital guide during medical school and general practice training for generations of doctors. The textbook’s success is universal, having been translated into 13 languages, including a Mandarin Chinese edition, which now serves as a resource for 450,000 Chinese GPs. The Chinese edition’s reach is expected to grow, as there are one million GPs in China. This translation effort underscores the fact that the Australian model of general practice, as embodied by Professor Murtagh's work, is viewed internationally as a standard.
Professor Murtagh revolutionised medical education through his innovative teaching methods. Former students universally celebrate the formative nature of his mentorship. His unique ability lay in explaining both complex concepts and practical procedures in an approachable and engaging way. He was a very inspirational teacher who possessed a deep understanding of how to convey key concepts. These practical insights, often drawn from his rural experience—such as tips about treatment of common conditions like ‘how to get a fish hook out of a finger”—made his work essential reading for aspiring GPs.
A cornerstone of Professor Murtagh’s approach was his dedication to community and patient-centred care. After completing an extensive postgraduate program, he practised alongside his wife, Dr Jill Murtagh, for 10 years in the rural community of Neerim South, Victoria. He often spoke of this time as the best part of his career, relishing the opportunity to practice in the small community. This deep experience as a rural GP gave him tremendous insights into the needs of various medical groups and fueled his passion for improving rural and remote general practice care.
He was dedicated to empowering patients by making medical knowledge accessible. During his tenure as Medical Editor of Australian Family Physician (1986–1995), he introduced groundbreaking features, including the famous Patient education pages. These resources, which he insisted should be "one-pagers with a good diagram," educated and empowered patients to understand their own diseases and look after themselves. This pioneering work stemmed from a deeply compassionate approach, rooted in the foundational skill of being an exceptionally good listener.
Professor Murtagh received the highest honours afforded to an Australian doctor, but he remained sincere and humble. He was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 1995, and subsequently an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2019. In 2018, the Australian Medical Association (AMA) bestowed upon him its highest recognition, the AMA Gold Medal.
“Professor John Murtagh was a visionary whose impact on general practice and medical education is immeasurable. His passion for patient-centred care, his generosity as a teacher, and his tireless commitment to excellence have shaped generations of doctors here at Monash and around the world. We honour not only his extraordinary intellect and achievements, but also his warmth, humility and humanity. His legacy will forever guide our Faculty’s mission to serve communities with compassion and wisdom.” Professor Christina Mitchell AO, Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University
As we farewell this giant of Australian medicine, the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences celebrates a life devoted to healing, teaching, and advancing healthcare across Australia and the world. Professor Murtagh’s passing marks the end of an era in Australian general practice, but his legacy will live on through the countless doctors he guided, the patients he cared for, and the academic work that continues to influence global healthcare.
Vale, Emeritus Professor John Murtagh AO. He will be missed by the Faculty and the wider medical community. His teachings are woven into our curriculum, his values are reflected in our graduates, and his legacy will forever be a part of our story.
We extend our deepest condolences to his wife Dr Jill Murtagh, children Paul, Julie, Caroline, Luke and Clare, 10 grandchildren, one great grandchild, friends, colleagues and the many doctors and patients whose lives he touched.
Professor John Murtagh was more than a physician—he was a healer, a mentor, and a giant of Australian medicine. His influence endures.