Doug Kennedy

Douglas Peter Kennedy (19 May 1915 – 11 December 1972) was a New Zealand doctor and public servant. He was Director-General of Health (i.e. the chief executive of the health service) until his sudden death.

Biography Early life Kennedy was born in Christchurch on 19 May 1915. His father was Peter Kennedy. He was educated at St Andrew's College. He attended Canterbury College and the University of Otago at which he gained a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. During World War II he served as a Lieutenant colonel in the Royal New Zealand Army Medical Corps. After the war he remained in the RNZAMC as a reserve Colonel. In 1947 he obtained a diploma of public health from London University.

Career In 1946 Kennedy joined the Department of Health and held medical officer posts in Christchurch and the West Coast for the next six years.