Dr John D’Arcy O’Donnell AM is a family doctor who studied medicine at The University of Sydney and over the years has practised far afield.

In 1975 he worked as a doctor at The Holy Family Hospital in Vietnam at Qui Nhon and together with his wife Wendy, was evacuated just before the fall of Saigon.

They travelled to the UK where John gained the Diploma of Obstetrics from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and for 4 years joined a family practice on the Isle of Wight. During this time, their son Matthew was born.

John has always had an interest in healthcare in developing countries so after leaving the UK, John and Wendy spent three years at Goroka in the Highlands of PNG where he established its first private medical practice. Their daughter, Fiona was born in the Highlands’ Hospital.

After leaving PNG, the family returned to Australia where John joined the Carlingford Epping Medical Practice.

Epping was close to the Seven Network and it was at this time John began mixing and matching the practice of medicine with working with the media. John spent several years travelling the world for Beyond 2000 and later, a decade concentrating on corporate medicine.

Sons Nicholas and Jack joined the family during this time.

Dr. John has been on several boards including the Institute of Allergy and Immunology Research and the Australian Diabetes Council Network and for some years was associated with The Sony Foundation.

In 2016, at the Queen’s Birthday Honours, Dr John was awarded and received a Member of the Order of Australia; the AM.

Dr John and Wendy have four children and five grandchildren. John loves sailing, good books, nice Aussie tucker and when handed a rake, loves gardening.