Date of death: 12 July 1986
Year James Spence Medal awarded: 1982
Dermod MacCarthy decided to become a paediatrician while studying at St Bartholomew鈥檚 Hospital. After serving in the Royal Navy and returning to Great Ormond Street, he was appointed consultant paediatrician covering the Buckinghamshire area, including Stoke Mandeville Hospital which had no established paediatric unit. He created an active and clinically reliable unit, and contributed papers on common disturbances in childhood and growth in deprived children.
Dr MacCarthy was heavily influenced by James Spence鈥檚 teachings, especially mother and child relationships, and encouraged family contact. In Aylesbury, he introduced Spence鈥檚 policy of mothers accompanying their infants, which was difficult at a time when visiting hours were firmly restricted.
His pioneering for facilities in children鈥檚 hospital and influence on younger paediatricians led to him being high commended for the award.