| Summary Note |
“The story of the eminent Melbourne surgeon David W. Hossack, OBE, PSM, BA, MBBS, PhC, MD (Honoris causa), FRCS (Eng.), FRACS, begins in the working class Melbourne suburb of Abbotsford in 1920s, where Donald?s Scottish immigrant parents worked in Melbourne?s textile mills-his beloved mother as a weaver. Don struggled with undiagnosed severe dyslexia throughout his childhood and, practically illiterate until his teenage years, found school a torment and left as soon as he could. His lucky break came when he landed a job as a laboratory assistant at the University of Melbourne where, despite his difficulties with reading, writing and even speaking clearly, academic staff in the department of zoology recognised his intelligence, artistic abilities, work ethic and will to succeed. With their encouragement, Don returned to school and eventually qualified as a pharmacist, doctor and surgeon. In addition to private practice, David surgical career encompassed senior roles with the psychiatric branch of Victoria?s Department of Health and as a surgical advisor to the Melbourne coroner. In this role Don initiated a series of investigative autopsies on road victims, which helped bring about Victoria?s international landmark legislation of the 1970s, mandating alcohol breath-testing and wearing of seatbelts-two of the most effective public health interventions of the time. Through his love of travel and the arts, Don befriended luminaries such as Peggy Guggenheim and the Duchess of Westminster and was appointed to various cultural organisations in Victoria. He and his wife, Joan, raised a family of four daughters. Don tells his remarkable stor in a warm and honest style. The Weaver?s Son is an inspiring treatment to the power of education and perseverance to transform lives.”--Back cover. |
