Residents of Eltham and members of the Eltham and Districts Historical Society have worked together to write the following obituary for Dr George Wood.
The recent passing of Eltham's much-revered Dr George Wood stirred memories of a private and professional person.
As a young man born in Aberdeenshire, he graduated M.B.Ch.B at the University and Medical School of Aberdeen. Upon graduating, he worked in several hospitals in the UK, as well as serving as a flight lieutenant medical officer in the Royal Air Force.
George qualified in general practice and gained experience in obstetrics and gynaecology before he emigrated to Eltham with his wife and daughter. They arrived in August 1957, and George worked with Dr Saunders in the town. Later that year, Dr Saunders died, leaving George to carry on the practice with Dr Bryon Scott. They worked together for five years, after which George opened up his own practice. Originally in the Wilkinson building on the corner of Bridge and High Streets, the practice moved a few times before settling in its final location, now known as the Eltham Medical Centre.
In 1970, George's wife died, leaving him to raise their four children as well as practicing medicine in the town. He served the community for 37 years before he retired, selling the practice to young South African doctor Alan Furniss in 1994.
Dr George Wood was known for caring for his patients from go to whoa. A dapper gentleman, neatly attired in suit and tie, he was a much-loved and respected physician. Eltham thanks and salutes him.