DR. CATHERINE NEWMAN

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29258, 16 July 1960, Page 15

DR. CATHERINE NEWMAN

An Appreciation (Contributed by the New Zealand Medical Women's Association) The tragic death of Dr. Catherine Neiyman (formerly Weisz) has been a great loss to the medical profession as well as to her patients, especially to the Hungarian refugees, since she was the only doctor in Christchurch who could speak their language. From the age of 11 she wanted to study medicine and had commenced her studies when she married Mr Oscar Newman at the age of 19. After an interval she completed her studies and qualified MH. (Vienna) at the age of 28. She then did two years’ special training in paediatrics, one year in gynaecology and one year in psychiatry. Afterwards she entered practice in Vienna. , She came to New Zealand in 1938, learned the language and obtained the qualifications to practise medicine here in 1941. During the war years she worked particularly hard, often overtaking her strength. She was not content to continue In the old routine but always kept up to date with medical literature and refresher courses, the last of which she attended in Australia in 1959. She was extremely generous, both with, her time and money and by her wise counsel held many a family together. There are many devoted patients who will now feel the blank left by her death. She also helped many young doctors to set up their practices. Her interests were music and contract bridge. Dr. Newman was on the committee of the Medical Women’s Association and a member of the Family planning Association. She was a foundation member of the United Kingdom College of General Practitioners. She was an original member of the Canterbury faculty of that college formed in 1957 and was still a member at the time of her death. Four years ago her husband died and she missed him sadly.

In 1955 she took Dr. Phyllis Brass into partnership with her and the two remained great friends and partners to the end. Dr. Newman was a woman who stood high in wisdom and knowledge of her profession. The warmth of her nature and her joyous and unfailing generosity went out to one and all who came to her for advice and help. She will indeed be sadly missed. She is survived by her sister, Miss Weisz, of Christchurch.