TORODE, Dr Ian Philip (1949-2015).jpg)
Ian Torode
The death of the highly respected doctor and surgeon, Ian Torode, only days after his father, Keith, shocked the College community. Ian was an internationally respected orthopaedic Surgeon who had assisted children from across the world. He had also brought together colleagues in paediatric and spinal surgery for research and teaching throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
Ian grew up in Colac and attended Colac West State School prior to his education at Geelong College from February 1963 to December 1967. He was an outstanding all-round scholar and sportsman at College. He was a House Prefect in 1966, Mackie House Captain in 1967, a Pegasus editor in 1967, Captain of the Athletics Teams in 1966-1967, a member of the 1st Football XVIII of 1965-1967 and its Captain in 1967, a member of the 1st Tennis Team 1966-1967 and its Captain in 1967, and a member of the College Swimming Team 1965-1966 and its Captain in 1966. He was awarded the Brian Lester Prize, Dr Gus Kearney Prize and Principal’s Prize as School Captain in 1967.
Ian graduated from Melbourne University in 1973 and furthered his training at the Royal College of Surgeons (London) and the University of Connecticut Orthopaedic Program. He completed his Paediatric Orthopaedic Fellowship at the Hospital for Sick Children (HSC) in Toronto, working there for several years. He then returned to Melbourne and joined the Royal Children’s Hospital in 1983 where he became Deputy Director of the Orthopaedic Unit. In 2000, he was awarded the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Medal. Like his father, he was a dedicated yachtsman. His brother, Dr Hugh Torode, OGC 1967, was also a student of College. His sons, Robert and Tim were also educated at College.
Ian Torode died on 9 August 2015.
Ian Torode was inducted into the OGCA Gallery of Notable Collegians in 2016. He was described by the OGCA:
'Ian was a master clinician, a gifted surgeon and friend and mentor to a generation of orthopaedic surgeons. Internationally recognised as a leader in his field, Ian served the Royal Children's Hospital and the Victorian community for 30 years.' Sources: Geelong Advertiser 12 August 2015; Ad Astra June 2016 p44, p55. OGC 1963.