Otto Hirschfeld

Otto Hirschfeld was a person of many distinguished achievements. Besides being a leading figure on the Queensland bridge scene for some decades, he was also a prominent figure in the medical establishment, and Chancellor of the University of Queensland.

Otto was born in Brisbane in 1898, and during a distinguished academic career, graduated in science and medicine, later received his MRACP and FRACP, and played a leading role in Queensland medicine. After a full life, he passed away in 1957.

From a bridge point of view, it is worthy of note that Dr. Hirschfeld was involved with the QBA from its very earliest days. When the QBA was founded in 1934, he was appointed honorary secretary and treasurer, and shortly thereafter became president – a position he held for some years. He was also president of the Australian Bridge Council in 1949.

As a player, he captained the first Queensland team to compete in a national championship, won the Australian section of the world Olympic; and with Frank Garnsey, represented the state on several occasions, won the Australasian Par Point championship in 1941, and the World Par Point championship in1951 – as mentioned elsewhere an achievement of great distinction, since it was an event in which 36 nations and over 4000 pairs competed, …

Further details on Dr. Hirschfeld may be found in Mind Games – A Biographical History of Bridge in Queensland.