James Wright

John Franklin Knight (12 December 1927 – 27 November 2022), known professionally as Dr James Wright, was an Australian medical professional who was notable for his books, television and radio appearances, and regular newspaper and magazine columns. He was also sometimes nicknamed "the Merry Medic".

Wright was known for his ability to demystify complex medical issues for a nationwide audience. He took TV camera crews into hospital medical theatres and neonatal intensive care clinic. He taught the nation about emerging diseases such as HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C, whilst destigmatising prejudices and hysteria surrounding these diseases. After graduating, he originally wanted to pursue a career in journalism, before deciding to become a doctor and studying medicine at the University of Sydney.

Wright made a fortune in the millions of dollars through property investments, mainly on the Queensland Gold Coast. "Turner had been his neighbour for 10 to 15 years and was a trusted acquaintance", Wright said. He also owned a motel and a funeral director's company for forty years, also a printing company.

Medical career Wright studied medicine at the University of Sydney and first practised as a general practitioner (GP) in Tottenham, a small town in the Central West very close to the geographic centre of New South Wales. As the only GP within a radius of 160 km, he took on several duties including as obstetrician, surgeon, counsellor, dispensing pharmacist and vet. The foundation has several villages in Sydney, and one on the Gold Coast in Queensland.

Awards In 1998, Wright was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his media outreach and the work of his foundation. In 2003, he was one of the three finalists in the "Australian of the Year" awards.