Robert Young Keers facts for kids
Robert Young Keers (1908–1982) was an important doctor and writer from Ireland. He lived in the 20th century. Dr. Keers was a specialist in a serious lung disease called tuberculosis. He not only helped many patients with this illness but also experienced it himself.
Contents
Robert Keers' Life and Work
Early Life and Education
Robert Young Keers was born on March 30, 1908, in County Antrim, Ireland. His father was Rev. William Keers, and his mother was Matilda Cameron. When he was three years old, his family lived near Monaghan.
He later moved to Scotland to study medicine at Edinburgh University. He finished his medical degree in 1930. Even though he had serious breathing problems from getting tuberculosis during his studies, he still ran for the university's cross-country team. His own experience with tuberculosis made him want to learn everything he could about the disease.
Fighting Tuberculosis
After university, Dr. Keers worked in different places like Edinburgh, Aberdeenshire, and Midhurst. He then spent several years in Switzerland. Switzerland was known for its excellent sanatoriums, which were special hospitals for people with tuberculosis.
In 1939, he returned to Scotland. He became the superintendent of Tor-na-Dee Sanatorium. He worked there until 1957. In 1944, he was recognized as a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. This was a special honor from an important medical group.
In 1951, he received another honor. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. This means he was recognized for his important contributions to science and knowledge.
Around 1951, he also took on another big job. He became the superintendent of Glen O'Dee Sanatorium. This hospital was much larger and was located nearby in Banchory. He also became an honorary consultant for the British Army in Scotland. This meant he advised them on chest diseases.
Both sanatoriums became part of the NHS (National Health Service) in 1955. Dr. Keers left these roles in Aberdeenshire in 1957.
Later Career and Retirement
Dr. Keers then moved to the North Staffordshire Chest Centre. He continued his work there until he retired in 1973. After retiring, he moved to the Isle of Man.
He passed away on December 1, 1982.
Family Life
In 1939, Robert Keers married Jessie Cameron Lockie. She was born in Bloemfontein, South Africa, in 1907 and had trained to be a lawyer.
Sadly, his first wife died in 1959. He later married Jill Trotter, and they had two children together.
