Sir, – It was with great sadness that I learned of the sudden and untimely death of Prof John Fitzpatrick ("Outstanding doctor who became a world leader in urology", Obituaries, June 7th).
Known to a litany of surgical trainees and junior doctors that worked in his department as “Prof Fitz” or, but never to his face, “Fitzy”, his remarkable qualities are outlined in your obituary.
I had the immense good fortune to receive his guidance both as an undergraduate looking up from a packed lecture theatre on Wednesday mornings in the Mater hospital, where he would impart his wisdom without the aid of chalk or PowerPoint, and as a junior surgical trainee scrubbed alongside him during one of his intricate cancer surgeries.
I also had the luck to work alongside his youngest son – a true gentleman, a remarkable character and excellent doctor. My heartfelt sympathy to him and his family. I know I echo many UCD and surgical graduates when I say his character and guidance will be missed. – Yours, etc,
Dr HUGH Ó FAOLÁIN,
Strandhill,
Co Sligo.