On the 1st of January 1973, Jean Blair was appointed Associate Professor by the Council of the University of the Witwatersrand. She was awarded the honour, in the words of the Vice-Chancellor,

“..on the grounds of her long and meritorious service as a teacher on the staff of the University, having due regard to academic merit and other criteria”. (“Meritorious Award”, 1973)

It was the first time anyone had been professorial appointment in the field of physiotherapy in South Africa.

Born in the United Kingdom, Blair trained as a physiotherapist at the Swedish Institute, St Mary’s Hospital, London, under the principalship of Olive Guthrie-Smith. After qualifying she obtained general experience at the Salisbury Infirmary, Wiltshire and the West London Hospital, Hammersmith during the Second World War.

In 1946 Blair emigrated to South Africa to take up a lecturing appointment with the University of the Witwatersrand. She returned to the UK in 1950 to qualify as a physiotherapy teacher and soon back at Witswaterand was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 1953 and ultimately, Head of School in 1969.

Approximately 400 physiotherapy students passed through Blair’s hands and her graduates spread world-wide. She oversaw the establishment of the Bachelor of Science (Physiotherapy) degree and the Masters of Science and PhD degrees.

Blair joined The South African Society of Physiotherapists (SASP) on her return and immediately became a member of the Central Executive Committee. She became chairman of the SASP in 1954 and held that office until 1969. In addition to her five-year term on the Professional Board, Blair served for four years as a Vice President of the World Confederation of Physical Therapy (now World Physiotherapy).

Blair “retired” to Nelspruit, where she and a good friend set up a clinic for local black mothers and their children. Jean Blair died in 1990, leaving behind a world – and a profession – that was the better for her life.

References

Beenhakker J. (1990). Professor Jean Blair. South African Journal of Physiotherapy, 46(2), 19.

“Meritorious Award”. (1973). South African Journal of Physiotherapy, 29(3), 16.

“Retiring Principals”. (1976). South African Journal of Physiotherapy, 32(12), 16.