Patrick Eisdell Moore facts for kids

Sir Patrick William Eisdell Moore (born 17 March 1918, died 18 June 2015) was a very important surgeon and medical researcher from New Zealand. He was a true pioneer in helping people hear better. He was one of the first to work with cochlear implants, which are special devices that help deaf people hear. He also made history by being the first person in the world to successfully transplant an eardrum.

During World War II, he worked as a medical officer. He was the only Pākehā (a New Zealander of European descent) in the famous 28th Māori Battalion. His life story, called So Old So Quick, was published in 2004.

Early Life and Education

Sir Patrick Moore was born in Bristol, England. This happened on 17 March 1918. His mother was Alice Moore, and his father was Arthur Eisdell Moore. His father was also a surgeon from New Zealand.

Patrick went to school at Auckland Grammar School. After that, he decided to study medicine. He attended the University of Otago. He finished his medical studies in 1943. He earned his MB ChB degree, which means he became a doctor.

Family Life

On 21 December 1942, Patrick Moore got married. He married Beth Beedie in a town called Dannevirke. They shared many years together. Lady Moore, his wife, passed away on 7 August 2017.

Contributions to Medicine

Sir Patrick Moore made huge advancements in ear surgery. He focused on a field called otolaryngology. This is the study of the ear, nose, and throat.

Cochlear Implants

He was a pioneer in the field of cochlear implants. These are electronic devices. They help people who are deaf or have severe hearing loss. The implant helps send sound signals to the brain. This allows people to hear.

Eardrum Transplants

Sir Patrick Moore also achieved a world first. He was the first person to successfully perform an eardrum transplant. This surgery helps to fix a damaged eardrum. It can restore hearing for many patients.

Military Service

During World War II, Sir Patrick Moore served his country. He was a medical officer in the army. This meant he looked after the health of soldiers.

Serving with the Māori Battalion

He was part of the 28th Māori Battalion. This was a special unit of the New Zealand Army. It was made up mostly of Māori soldiers. Sir Patrick was the only Pākehā (non-Māori) officer in this battalion.

Awards and Recognition

Sir Patrick Moore received several important awards. These awards recognized his great work. They honored his service to medicine and the community.

Officer of the Order of the British Empire

In the 1982 New Year Honours, he was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). This award was for his services to otolaryngology. It also recognized his contributions to the community.

Knight Bachelor

Later, in the 1992 New Year Honours, he received an even higher honor. He was made a Knight Bachelor. This meant he could use the title "Sir" before his name. This knighthood was also for his important work in otolaryngology.

Later Life and Legacy

Sir Patrick Moore passed away in Auckland, New Zealand. He died on 18 June 2015. He left behind a legacy of medical innovation. His work helped countless people. He improved their hearing and their lives.