Dr John Eric Smith

Personal Details

Dr John Eric Smith MBChB FFARCS 

19/12/1945 to 30/12/2019

Place of birth: Stoke on Trent

Nationality: British

CRN: 517920

Education and qualifications

Professional life and career

Postgraduate career

Spent a few years in GP in Birmingham before deciding to  specialise in anaesthesia, undertaking SHO & registrar posts in the West Midlands, and being SR on the north western rotation based on Manchester. He was appointed a consultant to Selly Oak Hospital in 1982, a post he held until retirement in 2011.

Professional interests and activities

Through clinical practice, teaching, presentations at national meetings, and publication he became known as a pioneer of fibre-optic laryngoscopy in the management of difficult airways. Once the methods were established his research progressed to aspects of teaching them to others, his sense of humour and patience making him a very sought after trainer. In recognition of his contribution an eponymous award is presented for the best paper on airway management at the AAGBI’s annual winter conference. Beyond this he was a superb anaesthetist, further contributing to patient safety by the support and guidance he gave to colleagues of all grades.

Other biographical information

Married to Fran, they had one daughter. In retirement he enjoyed spending time with his family and planning the many holidays they enjoyed together.

Author and sources

Authors:

Drs Nicola Osborn & Tina McLeod

Sources and comments:

[1] Obituary. BMJ 2020; 368: m700 where a photogra[h may be seen  [2] Personal knowledge  [3[ Medical Directory