Dr. Gordon Kerridge was born in Sydney in 1921, his father died from Multiple Sclerosis when he was in his teens and his early years were difficult he was greatly influenced by the medical staff s care of his younger brother at the Kids hospital when he had poliomyelitis and decided that he wanted to become an orthopaedic surgeon at an early age.

He attended Fort St. High School, did Medicine at Sydney University, doing the shortened 4 1/2 year course because of the war. He had to work his way through Medicine, working as a tally clerk on the wharves at weekends, and as a commercial traveller as time permitted. He did well enough in his finals to be given Professorial terms at Royal Prince Alfred hospital as an intern ,but his career was interrupted by his years of AIF service in common with so many of his generation.

After demobilisation in 1945, he came to Royal Newcastle hospital to further his experience in Surgery, having heard of the excellent training opportunities and unique career structure at that hospital. He completed his training as an orthopaedic surgeon, rose to being Director of the Dept, and trained several generations of outstanding orthopaedic surgeons many of whom became leaders in the discipline across the country.

His career began in an era when poliomyelitis TB., and osteomyelitis were rampant, when there were horrific motor vehicle accidents [no seat belts!] when congenital dislocation of the hip was not detected and treated early, when there were no paramedics, few physiotherapists or occupational therapists. He lived to see all these things dramatically changed and he took a leading role in the dramatic changes in his discipline. He was appropriately honoured by becoming the National President of the Australian Orthopaedic Association, being given an Honorary Doctorate by our University, and made a, Member of the Order of Australia.