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BONNIN James Arthur MD BS FRCPA FRACP FRACMA

1920-1997

James Arthur Bonnin was born in Adelaide on 30th December 1920. He was youngest of seven siblings of James Atkinson Bonnin and Winifred, nee Turpin. His father, a general practitioner, had a practice in the Adelaide suburbs of Hindmarsh and Thebarton. All of his siblings were high achievers in their professions and community activities. Three of Bonnin’s brothers became medical practitioners; Noel, a urology surgeon, Mark, a physician, and Lance, an orthopaedic surgeon. His brother Frew was a prominent lawyer and his sisters; Kath, a nurse and Win, a social worker. Bonnin was educated at Queen’s School and St Peter’s College. At the outbreak of WWII Bonnin was studying medicine at the University of Adelaide and his four older brothers enlisted in the AIF and both of his sisters joined the AANS. His father insisted, however, he finish his medical studies. During his university days he was Captain of Boats, held the high jump record and won the 120 yards hurdles. He graduated in medicine in 1946, followed by a year as a resident at the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH).

Bonnin joined the Army in 1947, at the completion of his residency, and was posted to 130 AGH in Japan with BCOF. He worked at the 130 AGH on the island Etajima and it is said this is where his interest in pathology was stimulated. He was discharged in 1948 and issued the Australian Active Service Medal -Japan.

Bonnin, upon his return from military service, decided to pursue a career as a haematologist. He joined the staff of the Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science (IMVS) in 1949. He travelled to Europe, in 1952 to 1953, working in London under Professor Sir John Dacie, Dr Biggs and Dr McFarlane at the Postgraduate Medical School at Oxford University. His experience at Oxford University enabled him to introduce a wide range of advanced new tests to the IMVS in Adelaide. He married Heather Birt McDonald on 16th December 1955.  She became Chairman of the Board of the Art Gallery of South Australia. They were to have three children. He became Deputy Director of the IMVS in 1953-1962 and Head of the Division of Clinical Pathology in 1958.  Bonnin was appointed Director of the IMVS from 1962-1981. He contributed to the rapid growth of the IMVS with the introduction of new technologies, including nuclear medicine, and he supported the implementation of regional services of the IMVS with the South Australian Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service. These activities led to recognition of the IMVS as a leader of pathology services in Australia. Close links with the University of Adelaide led to conjoint appointments of IMVS professional staff. He was also involved in the development of professional bodies such as the Royal Australian College of Pathologists (RCPA) and the Haematology Society of Australia (HSA) now the Haematology Society of Australia and New Zealand (HSANZ). He was the President of the HSA from 1967-1968. He was a founding Member of the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators. He was a Fellow of the International Society of Haematology and a member of the Australian and the Asian Pacific Societies of Haematology.

His publications in major journals were numerous especially in the British Journal of Haematology. His influence on haematology was nationwide resulting in his being awarded; Emeritus Director of the IMVS, the Queen's Jubilee Medal (1978) and the Red Cross Long Service Medal. He was also keenly involved in the Social Club of the IMVS where he was known for a keen sense of humour and his ability to “spin yarns”. The reading room in the current medical school at the University of Adelaide is named the Bonnin room after Bonnin and his brother Mark Bonnin for their contribution to the IMVS and the RAH. After his retirement from the IMVS he continued to work part-time at the Red Cross blood bank in Adelaide. He had many other interests including fishing, golf, and tennis. He also collected butterflies and was an accomplished landscape artist. His butterfly collection is now housed in the Museum of South Australia. James Arthur Bonnin died at home, on 30th October 1997, ironically, due to acute myeloid leukaemia.  He was survived by his children, Anne, an occupational therapist, Mark, a school teacher and Mary, a marketing manager.

Source

Blood, Sweat and Fears II: Medical Practitioners of South Australia on Active Service After World War 2 to Vietnam 1945-197.

Summers, Swain, Jelly, Verco

Uploaded by Annette Summers AO RFD