Jack Suchet

Jack Suchet (1908 - 9 September 2001) was an obstetrician, gynaecologist and venereologist, who carried out research on the use of penicillin in the treatment of venereal disease with Sir Alexander Fleming. He was father of the actor David Suchet.

Early Life
Jack Suchet was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1908 to a Jewish Latvian immigrant. His father, who had changed the family surname from Suchedowitz to Suchet, wanted Jack to go into business, and he studied Business Administration at the University of Cape Town in South Africa.

Move to England
He arrived in England in 1932 and had to struggle a lot initially. He sold ice creams at Paddington Station, sold his own blood, played bridge for money and carried out doping tests on greyhounds' saliva. The game of bridge remained his hobby of choice even in his retirement.

Study
He started as a student at St Mary's Hospital Medical school (the school is now part of Imperial College London). After starting as a junior resident, he chose to move to the field of obstetrics.

Career
He worked at St Mary's Hospital in the department of obstetrics, and later as director of the department of venereology. During World War II, he worked with Sir Alexander Fleming on the use of penicillin for the treatment of venereal disease. He also worked with the Royal Army Medical Corps and later returned to St Mary's. In 1953, he became a consultant and started practice on Harley Street, as well as working in East London hospitals.

Family
He was the father of three sons: Peter Suchet, John Suchet, the newsreader, and David Suchet, the actor.