Doctor Ryan – Written 1989

The Ryan Family has had a long and continuing involvement in the Pine Rivers Shire. This began over 55 years ago with the establishment of a Medical Practice in the Shire by James Joseph Ryan. “Hospital House” in Dayboro is an early and lasting record of his achievements.

Doctor Barry, John and Billy Ryan carried on this medical tradition.

Dr J.J. Ryan, the first doctor full time in the Shire, saw service in World War II as a Surgeon, and finished a distinguished military career as Lieutenant Colonel. After the war he became General Surgical Consultant to Brisbane’s Mater Hospital and also advised on Nutritional Medicine. In 1949 he was elected as Alderman to the Brisbane City Council and served until 1952. During this period, he acted as Deputy Chairman of the Health Committee. On moving to the Pine Rivers Shire, he established a ‘far flung’ practice.

One of the areas visited by Dr James Ryan during his many travels by horseback through the shire was Clear Mountain. This area held a special fascination for him and his desire to establish a Health Institution for the recuperation of seriously ill people began to take shape in 1969 with his purchase of property on the Mountain.

Dr Ryan’s interest in Nutritional Medicine led to approval in 1971 by the Pine Rivers Shire Council to develop the Clear Mountain land for this purpose. His sons completed their fathers dream after his death in 1974. Dr James Ryan’s oldest son, Barry, was the first doctor in Albany Creek and started practice in 1969. He lived on the Clear Mountain property for some years and further developed his father’s ideas on Nutritional Medicine to encompass Soils Research.

Dr Barry Ryan has a full time Nutritional Practice at Lutwyche. He is the only Clinical Ecologist north of Sydney, and as such, received patients from far areas of Queensland, interstate and overseas. The Clear Mountain Health and Education Centre answers the need of these patients for treatment and accommodation.

Dr John Ryan, the second doctor in Albany Creek, joined brother Barry in practice in 1973. His interest in Nutritional Medicine led him to London in 1979 where he gained a Masters of Science Degree in Nutrition. He also has post graduate qualifications in complementary medical areas such as acupuncture. John’s twin brother Paul, was to assist in the Management of his fathers project, but tragically died in a motor vehicle accident at Mount Mee in 1972.

Dr Bill Ryan has followed his father into surgical medicine. When commencing private orthopaedic practice in 1978, he offered the first such specialist facility in the Pine Rivers Shire (Strathpine). Bill is a Consultant at both the Mater Adult and Children’s Hospitals. He has owned land at Clear Mountain adjacent to the Health Lodge. Like those of Barry and John, Bill’s chronically ill patients would be well served by the Health Facility proposed in the Consent Application.

A natural extension of the Centre’s use is for the education in the alternative/complementary modalities. Both medical and naturopathic practitioners have no in-house base such as a hospital where training can be instituted over a period of several days/weeks. All three Ryan doctors have interest in post graduate education.

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Peter Campbell - 0418 774 663