Background
He was born in Dublin, son of John Rutherford Kirkpatrick, also a noted physician.
assistant governor historian lecturer physician president
He was born in Dublin, son of John Rutherford Kirkpatrick, also a noted physician.
He was educated at Foyle College, Derry, and Trinity College, Dublin.
He became an Doctor of Medicine at 26 years of age. In 1900, he was appointed assistant physician at Doctor Steevens" Hospital. He became a lecturer in anaesthetics at the medical school there, a post he held for 44 years.
In 1913 he was appointed governor of the hospital.
In 1908 he was appointed registrar of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. He was for many years consultant at the Lock Hospital, Dublin.
He published a number of books on medical history, including the history of Doctor Steevens" Hospital and of the Rotunda Hospital, and over 100 essays. He was an excellent speaker and known for his wit.
In his spare time he was a gymnast and member of the Royal Irish Yacht Club and of the Royal Irish Academy, where he was president from 1946 to 1949.