Australia’s “most famous GP”, Emeritus Professor John Murtagh AO, has died aged 89.
Murtagh, who quite literally wrote the book on general practice medicine, died at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, surrounded by family.
His daughter Julie Tullberg confirmed his death in a post on LinkedIn.
Professor John Murtagh at the RACGP ‘GP19’ conference in 2019. (RACGP)
“I’m saddened to share that my father, Professor John Murtagh, passed away peacefully today, surrounded by our family,” Tullberg wrote.
“Although he lived a long and full life, it comes as a shock when it’s your Dad’s time.”
She said his family was “super proud of his legacy in medicine”.
”Dad’s work has guided generations of doctors — across more than 20 countries — and his textbooks have been translated into numerous languages.
“He finished his final textbook, General Practice, just weeks ago.
“Dad was a trailblazer during his time at Monash University.
“We are most fortunate to learn from his humble ways. RIP Dad.”
Dr Michael Wright, President of the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) described Murtagh as a “towering figure” in general practice and medical education.
“For generations of GPs, including mine, Professor Murtagh was the most famous GP we knew,” Wright said.
“Professor Murtagh’s ability to explain both complex concepts and practical procedures in an approachable and engaging way made his work essential reading for any future GPs.
“Professor Murtagh leaves a lasting legacy of transforming general practice and family medicine in Australia, and across the world.”
Professor John Murtagh with his daughter Julie Tullberg (nee Murtagh). (LinkedIn)
Murtagh’s lifelong interest in medicine was sparked when he contracted polio aged eight.
He worked for many years as a rural GP in Neerim South in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range and was devoted to improving rural and remote general practice care.
The textbook, John Murtagh’s General Practice, was first published in 1994 and is now in its ninth edition.
The RACGP’s John Murtagh Library was named in his honour in 2005.
In 2007, Murtagh was awarded Life Fellowship of the RACGP, and Life Fellowship of the World Organization of Family Doctors.
Murtagh was made a Member of the Order of Australia [AM] for services to medicine, honouring his impact on medical education and general practice.
He was then made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2019.
“Ask anyone who met Professor Murtagh, and they will tell you that he was such a sincere and humble person dedicated to improving the lives of others,” Wright said.
“He was known for his warmth, humility, and dedication to improving the lives of others.
“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 trained, the patients he cared for, and the work he did that continues to guide us. 
“Professor Murtagh will be sorely missed.
“He is a GP we can all aspire to be, vale Professor Murtagh.”