Reconstructionist

Esteemed facial surgeon and dental safety innovator, David Poswillo, has died aged 76. Born in Gisborne, Poswillo’s career took him to Australia, England, Wales, Canada, and the US. As well as his role as a surgeon, Poswillo was “one of the most stimulating speakers that trainee surgeons could encounter,” worked for the World Health Organisation, was treasurer and senior vice president of the Royal Society of Medicine, and, in 1989, was awarded a CBE. Guardian: “He possessed that rare combination of logical thought and extraordinary imagination that could contemplate future surgical possibilities.” See the NZEdge bio of edge predecessor Sir Harold Gillies.

David Poswillo: January 1 1927 – June 3 2003