 He obtained a MbChb degree from the University of the Witwatersrand in 1946 and later obtained a master's degree in pediatrics from the University of Pretoria

He joined the South African Army's medical corps in 1947 but later resigned in 1948.He served in 5 & 7 Field Ambulance in the Citizen Force until he joined the Permanent Force in 1960.He commanded 1 Military Hospital (Pretoria), served as Deputy Surgeon General and later commanded the centralised South African Medical Service, as Surgeon-General, from 1969 to 1977, before he retired


He also served on the South African Medical and Dental Council and was a member of the South African Academy of Art and Science.