Few details are available about Quinlan's family history and education. After graduating at Manchester in 1944 he underwent post-graduate training there and at Stoke-on-Trent, Oswestry and Cambridge. He was the first orthopaedic surgeon to be appointed at Scarborough and worked single-handed for two years whilst establishing a service there as well as at Whitby, Malton, Kirbymoorside and Bridlington. He was an extraordinarily energetic, skilful and kindly man and continued to work exceptionally hard even when joined by a second orthopaedic consultant. Amongst his many hobbies were gardening, squash, shooting, fishing and parachuting. He was always available whenever and wherever he was needed and he continued active work up to the day of his death, following a long illness. He died on 15 August 1981, survived by his wife and three daughters.