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William Peter Cockshott MD, FRCP(Edin. & Canada), FRCR, FACR
Clinical Radiology (1994) 49, 362
Obituary
W I L L I A M P E T E R C O C K S H O T T MD, FRCP(Edin. & Canada), F R C R , F A C R
Peter was always an outstanding personality, with a refreshing and original outlook, very much committed to Radiology who made an enormous contribution and was truly a Radiologist of international stature and acclaim. Qualifying in Edinburgh in 1949, service with the R A F took him to Egypt and Aden awakening an interest in Radiology and the underprivileged. Returning to Edinburgh he trained in Radiology, passed the D M R D in 1956 and simultaneously gained his M D with commendation for his thesis on Mycetoma an early indication of his outstanding ability and interest in tropical disorders. Ibadan provided his first opportunity where he became a distinguished Professor and Departmental Head at University College Hospital. Later, in 1967, he accepted a similar challenge to become the founding Professor and Chairman at McMaster. This newly established medical school was a pioneer in medical education and Peter had an outstanding career. He developed a distinguished Faculty continuing to attract bright and successful trainees from all over the world. He greatly valued this relationship, enjoying social occasions, and this was something special in his life. He published widely with skeletal radiology, tropical disorders and Radiology in evolving nations being his main interests. Sought after as a Visiting Professor, Consultant and corresponding Editor to many journals, his broad knowledge and quick intellect were greatly valued in many countries. A member of the International Commission on Radiology Education and
having numerous interactions with W H O , he made enduring and practical contributions to developing countries. He helped to develop the simple and inexpensive 'Basic Radiography System' or BRS which brought Radiology to underdeveloped countries. The 'Manual of Radiographic Interpretation for General Practitioners', of which he was a co-author, ran to editions in English, Spanish, French and Arabic. His counsel, teaching and friendship were appreciated by both doctors and advisers in many parts of the world. Awarded the Barclay Prize of the British Institute of Radiology, undoubtedly his greatest accolade was the Gold Medal of the Radiological Society of North America - an honour which Peter richly deserved. Always active in the International Skeletal Society, Peter took a leading role in organizing the recent Toronto meeting and died just a few weeks later. Peter remained optimistic and completely in control until decreeing at the end, in typical fashion, there be no further intervention. His penetratingly different way and pawkish sense of humour were with him to the end. He is indeed a great loss, very much an intellectual giant, warm, friendly and inspiring. He will be missed by many but most of all by his family. Peter had planned to return to Edinburgh and we looked forward to rekindling old friendships but sadly this is not to be. J. K. Davidson
Obituary
W I L L I A M P E T E R C O C K S H O T T MD, FRCP(Edin. & Canada), F R C R , F A C R
Peter was always an outstanding personality, with a refreshing and original outlook, very much committed to Radiology who made an enormous contribution and was truly a Radiologist of international stature and acclaim. Qualifying in Edinburgh in 1949, service with the R A F took him to Egypt and Aden awakening an interest in Radiology and the underprivileged. Returning to Edinburgh he trained in Radiology, passed the D M R D in 1956 and simultaneously gained his M D with commendation for his thesis on Mycetoma an early indication of his outstanding ability and interest in tropical disorders. Ibadan provided his first opportunity where he became a distinguished Professor and Departmental Head at University College Hospital. Later, in 1967, he accepted a similar challenge to become the founding Professor and Chairman at McMaster. This newly established medical school was a pioneer in medical education and Peter had an outstanding career. He developed a distinguished Faculty continuing to attract bright and successful trainees from all over the world. He greatly valued this relationship, enjoying social occasions, and this was something special in his life. He published widely with skeletal radiology, tropical disorders and Radiology in evolving nations being his main interests. Sought after as a Visiting Professor, Consultant and corresponding Editor to many journals, his broad knowledge and quick intellect were greatly valued in many countries. A member of the International Commission on Radiology Education and
having numerous interactions with W H O , he made enduring and practical contributions to developing countries. He helped to develop the simple and inexpensive 'Basic Radiography System' or BRS which brought Radiology to underdeveloped countries. The 'Manual of Radiographic Interpretation for General Practitioners', of which he was a co-author, ran to editions in English, Spanish, French and Arabic. His counsel, teaching and friendship were appreciated by both doctors and advisers in many parts of the world. Awarded the Barclay Prize of the British Institute of Radiology, undoubtedly his greatest accolade was the Gold Medal of the Radiological Society of North America - an honour which Peter richly deserved. Always active in the International Skeletal Society, Peter took a leading role in organizing the recent Toronto meeting and died just a few weeks later. Peter remained optimistic and completely in control until decreeing at the end, in typical fashion, there be no further intervention. His penetratingly different way and pawkish sense of humour were with him to the end. He is indeed a great loss, very much an intellectual giant, warm, friendly and inspiring. He will be missed by many but most of all by his family. Peter had planned to return to Edinburgh and we looked forward to rekindling old friendships but sadly this is not to be. J. K. Davidson