Dr Alcindor, the doctor who was determined to play his part

Learn about Dr Alcindor and his outstanding contribution to health care, as part of Black History Month…

Dr John Alcindor (1873-1924)

Dr John Alcindor born in Trinidad, July 1873 was a gifted doctor who was respected and trusted by his many patients. He was a determined doctor who overcame bigotry and prejudice to help others during the First World War.

Dr Alcindor received a government scholarship to study medicine and graduated with a medical degree from Edinburgh University in 1899. He moved to London and worked at several hospitals including Plaistow, Hampstead and Camberwell, before setting up his own medical practice in Paddington.

When the First World War broke out in 1914, he naturally wanted to use his skills to help with the war effort but he was rejected by the Royal Army Medical Corps despite his qualifications and experience.

Brushing aside the army’s rejection, he went on to join 90,000 others in signing up as a British Red Cross volunteer. Throughout the long years of the battle, he helped countless wounded soldiers at London railway stations as they returned from the battlefields. He was later awarded a Red Cross Medal for his life-saving work.

Following the war, Dr Alcindor (a long term resident of Paddington) became senior district medical officer of the London Borough of Paddington in 1917.

Sadly Dr Alcindor died at the age of 51 in 1924 and since, his legacy has largely been lost with the passing of time.