Dr Matthew Wilkinson, a prominent physician, has died at home after a long illness, aged 85.
He was born in Bishop Auckland and graduated in medicine from Cambridge and St Bartholomew’s Medical School, London.
After qualification Dr Wilkinson worked in leading hospitals in London and San Francisco, California.
In 1963 he was named consultant physician at Bridge of Earn Hospital, with outpatients in Perth and Dundee.
He developed an interest in rheumatology and showed remarkable foresight in cautioning against the use of potent anti-rheumatic drugs until their toxicity was established.
His acumen was sought after by consultants, while GPs particularly appreciated his clear diagnoses and guidance on treatment.
Colleagues say Dr Wilkinson was an ”old-style” consultant meticulous but forthright.
He maintained his acute general medicine practice, including providing cover for the fledging coronary care unit in Ninewells, and was chairman of the division of medicine of the Dundee teaching hospitals during a period of huge change.
Outside medicine Dr Wilkinson was a keen gardener and bird-watcher, and an accomplished pianist.
He is survived by wife Barbara, children Claire, Andrew and Hilary and grandson Paul.