Hyman Philip Brody

Hyman Philip Brody (Avatar)

1905-1985

Vol VIII

Pg 56

Hyman Philip Brody

1905-1985

Vol VIII

Pg 56

b.18 October 1905 d.13 March 1985

MB BS Sheff (1929) MRCP (1932) FRCP (1947)

Hyman Brody was born and died in Sheffield, where he had spent all his practising life. He was educated at the Central School in Sheffield and gained the Lancasterian scholarship in 1920, matriculating a year later. He then registered as a dental student but after two years changed to medicine, enrolling at Sheffield University Medical School. After qualifying he obtained house appointments at the Royal Infirmary, Sheffield, first as assistant casualty officer, then medical registrar and subsequently as first assistant to A E Barnes [Munk’s Roll, Vol.V,p.28]. He was appointed consultant physician to the Sheffield Infirmary in 1945.

As a general physician with an interest in gastroenterology his opinion was widely sought throughout South Yorkshire, and for many years he maintained additional outpatient sessions at, at least, one district general hospital in the area. His diagnostic acumen became a byword and his practice grew accordingly. A quiet, modest man, he always had time for his patients despite the pressures of a busy professional life. He was essentially a clinician and many generations of students and junior hospital staff attached to his firm had the invaluable experience of witnessing clinical excellence combined with compassion.

Brody was president of the Sheffield Medico-Chirurgical Society in 1970. He retired from active practice in the same year and was appointed postgraduate dean, a post he held for the next two years. For many years he was an active member of the Jewish community in Sheffield and was a wise counsellor to many who sought his help.

He was survived by his wife Gertrude who had always given him invaluable support throughout his professional life and in particular during the many months of his illness which he bore with notable courage. They had two sons: one an author and sociologist, the other a consultant cardiologist practising in the United States.

JJ Daly

[Brit.med.J., 1985,290,1437]