Campbell was born in 1882 and studied medicine at Glasgow University where he qualified. He then held several house appointments after which he worked for a time at the London Hospital while preparing for his Fellowship. In 1910 he returned to Glasgow and was appointed to the staff of the Western Infirmary and the Royal Hospital for Sick Children. He quickly developed a reputation as an outstanding teacher of surgery to undergraduates; he also undertook much pioneer work in the diagnostic use of X-rays. The constant exposure of his hands to unprotected X-rays caused him considerable discomfort in later years, and eventually his disability was so bad that he had to give up golf and driving his car. During the first world war Campbell saw service abroad with the RAMC, returning afterwards to Glasgow. In 1929 he was appointed consultant surgeon in charge of wards at the Western Infirmary. He was also consultant surgeon at Broadstone Jubilee Hospital, Port Glasgow, and the Royal Infirmary, Greenock. In 1943 he retired from his hospital appointments and went to live at Crail; later he became an active member of the Crail Town Council and held the post of honorary treasurer. He died at his home on 12 May 1965 at the age of 83, and was survived by his wife, five sons and a daughter.