Qualifications: MA., M.B.ChB., F.R.A.C.P., P.G.DipArts

Bio: After Dick graduated from the University of Otago he completed six Resident Medical Officer years in Auckland before going to the United Kingdom for advanced training. Since 1982 he has worked as a consultant physician in geriatric medicine in Christchurch in dual University/Hospital appointments. He has a particular interest in student teaching and has served a period as trainee intern co-ordinator. He has also been involved in the examination, mentoring and supervision of international medical graduates. He was an elected member of the Medical Council of New Zealand for six years and a Board member of the New Zealand Artificial Limb Service for nine years.

He is an avid cricket enthusiast who has now graduated to croquet. Other interests include music and reading. He is interested in Older People in Literature and completed his MA thesis on ‘Older People and Ageing’ in the fiction of Thomas Hardy. He has recently published a book on older people and ageing.

He was president of the NZGS between 2002 and 2005.

His topics include:

• Parkinson’s disease
• Depression in the elderly
• A voyage around older person’s health – challenges and issues
• Older people in literature.