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Dr Graeme Kerr (MCCSG Patron)
Dr Graeme Kerr (MCCSG Patron)
Graeme Kerr did his medical training at the Otago University
Medical School graduating in 1957. Soon after graduating he moved
to the UK and, in the early 60s, gained membership to the Royal
College of Physicians.
On this first trip, he didn't stay long in the UK and was soon
back in NZ, working at Waikato Hospital. During his time there,
from the late 60s through to the early 70s, he set up the Gastroenterology
service at Waikato Hospital and helped establish the N.Z. Gastroenterology
Society.
In the early 70's Dr Kerr was back in the UK having taken a position
as a gastroenterologist at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital in England.
This was an exciting time in medicine due to the invention and
development of fibreoptic endoscopy which allowed up to 4000
different procedures to be performed per year.
Dr Kerr's research interests focussed mainly on ulcer disease
and the development and trials of the drugs used for it's treatment.
His research also looked at the role of Helicobacter pylori in
ulcer disease and gastric cancer.
During Dr Kerr's time at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital he instigated
the formation of clinics specifically for liver disease, coeliac
disease and inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative
colitis). He was also involved in the setting up of patient care
groups for these conditions. The largest was a branch of the
UK equivalent of the CCSG - the NACC (National Association for
Crohn's and Colitis) - for which Dr Kerr was a Regional Advisor.
Shortly after he retired to Marlborough he was approached by
the MCCSG committee to become involved in their support group.
Impressed by the activity level of the MCCSG he agreed to become
patron of the group in 1999.
Horses!
During his time in the UK, Dr Kerr acted as medical officer
at many horse trial events including 19 years as resident medical
officer at Burghley. Through this appointment he became well
acquainted with many regular international riders including
several Kiwis.
Dr Kerr used this top level involvement to encourage the upgrading
of medical care at horse trial events.
Now retired, Dr Kerr maintains an official involvement in this
sport having been appointed as Medical Advisor to the NZ Equestrian
Federation and as the FEI (International Equestrian Federation)
medical representative for New Zealand.
Equestrian remains an ongoing interest for Dr Kerr. This interest
has lead to his current involvement with the Eventing NZ Board
in a project to raise medical care standards in NZ horse trials.
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