Remembering Dr Allan Shell
A Legacy of Dedication
Dr Allan Shell will be remembered as a dedicated medical practitioner who gave generously of his time and expertise to both the Jewish and broader community.
Dr Allan Shell’s long and valuable association with Wolper Jewish Hospital began in 1980 as a Visiting Medical Officer and later as a surgical assistant in Wolper’s then operating theatres. In 1989 he was invited to join the Hospital’s Medical Executive Committee (now known as the Medical Advisory Committee). As a general practitioner at a busy Rose Bay practice, Dr Shell brought his extensive medical expertise to the Committee, which oversees the Hospital’s clinical operations. He was an active member of the Committee until 2021.
In 1997, he joined the Hospital’s Board of Directors. Over the years of his tenure, he served full terms as the Hospital’s Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer, and Vice President, demonstrating the breadth of his skills and his interest in all aspects of the Hospital.
Dr Shell also chaired Wolper’s Community Partnership Committee where he was pivotal in developing Wolper’s highly successful Wellbeing seminars. These seminars have become a cornerstone of Wolper’s community outreach and education efforts.
Daniel Goldberg, Wolper President said, “Throughout Allan’s 20 years of service as a director of Wolper and afterwards with his ongoing leadership of Wolper’s Community Partnership Committee, he gave endlessly of his time and energy. I know I speak for the board, management, staff, and Friends of Wolper in expressing our admiration and affection for Allan, and our gratitude for his decades-long contributions to the Hospital and the community.”
In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Wolper’s Board of Directors appointed Dr Shell as Wolper’s first Honorary Life Member in 2017. Reflecting on this honour, Dr Shell remarked that his work with Wolper was “…good for the soul and good for the community.”
Dr Shell’s dedication to the community was further acknowledged in 2018 when he received the JCA Shofar Award. This award recognised his dedication and commitment to community service.
Dr Shell’s interest in people and affable nature meant that he developed meaningful relationships with everyone with whom he was associated. As Richard Glass, Immediate Past President said, “I had the great privilege, as a Wolper board member, of working with Allan for over 20 years as a colleague and friend. Allan was dedicated to Wolper and a true community stalwart. He was passionate about people and had an uncanny ability to ‘connect’ with them. Allan was generous with his time and expertise, selflessly gave of himself even as his health declined, expecting nothing in return. He was an inspiration to many, a great role model and a quiet achiever – a true ‘mensch’.”
Beyond his communal work, Dr Shell was deeply involved in medical research, professional education, and a variety of community health initiatives. He had a particular focus on dementia and dementia awareness.
Dr Shell’s legacy at Wolper and his extensive contributions to the medical and broader communities reflect a life dedicated to service, education, health and wellbeing. As Honorary Life Governor Dr David Golovsky AM said, “He was a family man, a real people person and occupied a substantial place in the Jewish and wider community. Golf was one of his passions – something we shared – and working with him on the annual Friends of Wolper Golf Day was always a highlight. We will miss him.”
