6 minute read
A Legacy of Care
A Legacy of Care
Brian Hirschfeld’s Enduring Impact on Medicine and Community
Written by Kloe Phelan
Vale Dr Brian Hirschfeld, Old Boy ‘43, who embodied the values of compassion, service, and a dedication to improving healthcare in Australia throughout his life.
As a student, Brian was a vibrant member of the class of 1943. He was a passionate leader early on, representing the School Committee, Captaining Roe House, and earning Captain of Boats (including full colours for Rowing). Attending BGS during wartime, Brian was also the Platoon Commander of ‘C Company’ in the BGS cadets –strength that would serve him well in the years to come.
After graduating from Brisbane Grammar School, Brian commenced medical studies at the University of Queensland, interrupted only by his enlistment in the Navy during World War II. Following his return, he completed his degree in 1952 and went on to serve the Queensland community as a committed physician for decades.
A pioneering figure in the fields of diabetes and endocrinology research in Australia, Dr Brian Hirschfeld was instrumental in advancing national understanding and treatment of chronic illness. His contributions earned him Life Membership with the Endocrine Society of Australia and, in recognition of his service to medicine and the broader community, he was honoured with an official royal commendation.
The third Hirschfeld to attend BGS, Brian attributes his success to the work of his father Otto and grandfather Eugen; to their dedication to humanity and education.
Dr Otto Saddler Hirschfeld (Old Boy 1913) exemplified a life of leadership in medicine and education, serving as Chancellor of the University of Queensland from 1953 to 1957. His contributions to medical education and public health were honoured with the naming of the Otto Hirschfeld Building at UQ.
Otto’s path was inspired by his father, Dr Eugen Hirschfeld (1866-1946) – a groundbreaking medical practitioner in his own right. Eugen was founding Senator of the University of Queensland, and Vice President of Brisbane Hospital. He was a respected leader in Queensland’s civic and scientific communities, advocating for medical advancement and higher education in the early days of the state’s development.
Together, the Hirschfeld men laid the foundation for a generational legacy of service— one grounded in intellect, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to the public good.
Brian was deeply respected not only professionally, but personally, cherished in his neighbourhood for his up-beat demeanour, authentic sense of care, wisdom and humility.
Brian’s second son, Old Boy John Hirschfield ‘82, remembers how close his father was with his entire Clayfield neighborhood, including his exwife. “Our mum—his ex-wife— lived just down the road from here, and he remained close friends with her right until the end,” he said.
Though at times a little firmer at home than on the job, John said his father’s sternness stemmed from a sense of cultural rigour and a lifelong determination to put others first.
“He didn’t take things for granted and often considered his life in Australia an immense privilege. Sometimes that translated a little differently at home, because [David and I] had not had the same experience as him - WWII service, his father being a Chancellor at the University of Queensland, that sort of thing. We knew where it was coming from, but I guess we were growing up in an era where we could more freely appreciate the fruits of his labour,” he said.
He always wanted to see an improved quality of life for everyone around him and would stop at nothing to see that happen.
John’s brother, Old Boy David ‘81, said “Dad was always a generous and well-meaning man. Admirable. He always wanted to see an improved quality of life for everyone around him and would stop at nothing to see that happen.
“He always lent his time to consult with other physicians in Brisbane – and was even called into the Grammar Boarding House to visit patients, but knowing Dad, it would be more so to cheer them up,” David recalled.
It was commonplace for Brian to describe his education at Brisbane Grammar School as liberating, and one that instilled in him the confidence and intellectual curiosity that shaped his career and life, a sense of gratitude that endured through the years.
In accordance with Brian’s wishes, his passing was marked not with solemnity, but with joy, a marvellous ‘celebration of life’ filled with stories, laughter and nostalgia.
What remains of the celebration may at first appear to be the First VIIII rowing oar that adorns Brian’s garage wall; a shelf of medical journals on diabetes and endocrinology, and a box of carefully preserved Brisbane Grammar School publications. However, what truly endures is the legacy of a remarkable man whose love for his family and the institutions that shaped him saw him live a life of purpose, pride and profound contribution.
Now, the Hirschfeld legacy is preserved by his sons David and John, and his grandson Nick who graduated from BGS just last year. Each of them holds a deep respect for Brian’s lifelong pursuit of service and generosity, though they have followed very different paths.
When asked why they chose not to pursue medicine, David and John joked, “We didn’t have the grades. It was a different time – we were able to start considering more liberal careers.”
David spent his career as a commercial pilot, crossing oceans and finding peace in the view from above. John charted an entrepreneurial course of his own, from selling surfboards in Spain to now working in software. Nick, David’s son, has just returned from a ski season in Japan and intends to pursue an engineering degree. For now, he’s embracing life after school, looking after his grandfather’s house and working hard in eager anticipation of his next international adventure.
The Hirschfeld family legacy remains a defining thread in the story of Queensland’s educational and medical excellence - a reminder that a life dedicated to the wellbeing of others is a life well lived.
He didn’t take things for granted and often considered his life in Australia an immense privelege
