I remember the very first time I met Emeritus Professor John Murtagh. But then again, so do most people.

This week, social media is awash with the memories of hundreds of GPs who attended one of his workshops on spinal manipulation or once scored a selfie with the legend at an RACGP conference.

At the last of those he attended — GP23 — he barely made it past the exhibition marquees. All you needed do to track him down was follow the ever-replenishing flock of a half-dozen groupies waiting in line for a conversation while his wife, Jill, patiently looked on, too polite to interrupt even when that therapeutic intervention was indicated.

GP23 combined with the international WONCA conference, with the throngs of international autograph hunters reflecting the fact that the Murtagh legacy has tentacled across the globe in 13 languages.