William Pickles (medical doctor)

British general practitioner and epidemiologist

William Norman Pickles (6 March 1885 – 2 March 1969) was a pioneering British general practitioner and epidemiologist known for his work in the field of epidemiology and his contributions to the understanding of infectious diseases in rural communities. He was the first president of the Royal College of General Practitioners.

Early life and education

William Pickles was born in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. He was educated at Leeds Grammar School and later attended the University of Leeds, where he studied medicine. After completing his medical degree, Pickles undertook further training in various hospitals, gaining experience in different medical disciplines.

Medical career

William Norman Pickles

Pickles began his career as a general practitioner in the small village of Aysgarth in the Yorkshire Dales. It was here that he developed a keen interest in the patterns of disease spread within the community. His rural practice provided him with a unique opportunity to observe and document the natural history of infectious diseases.

Epidemiological studies

Pickles is best known for his work on the epidemiology of infectious diseases. His most notable study was on the spread of epidemic jaundice, now known as hepatitis A. He meticulously recorded cases and traced the transmission of the disease, demonstrating that it was spread by person-to-person contact. This work was groundbreaking at the time and laid the foundation for modern epidemiological methods.

Publications

In 1939, Pickles published his seminal work, Epidemiology in Country Practice, which detailed his observations and findings from his years of practice. The book was widely acclaimed and is considered a classic in the field of epidemiology. It highlighted the importance of general practitioners in the study of disease patterns and the value of detailed clinical observation.

Contributions to general practice

Pickles was a strong advocate for the role of general practitioners in the healthcare system. He believed that GPs were uniquely positioned to observe and understand the health needs of their communities. His work emphasized the importance of continuity of care and the doctor-patient relationship.

Honors and legacy

William Pickles was the first president of the Royal College of General Practitioners, an organization that continues to promote excellence in general practice. His contributions to medicine were recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout his career.

Pickles' work has had a lasting impact on the field of epidemiology and general practice. His approach to studying disease in the community setting has influenced generations of doctors and researchers.

Related pages

• Epidemiology
• General practice
• Royal College of General Practitioners
• Hepatitis A