Reginald Martin Vick was born on 20 July 1884 at West Hartlepool, and was educated at Leys School and Jesus College, Cambridge, and came to St Bartholomew's Hospital for his clinical studies. He qualified with the Conjoint Diploma in 1908, and after house appointment at Bart's became a demonstrator

Duncan Stout was not deterred by having a famous father, Sir Robert, who became Chief Justice of New Zealand, Chancellor of the University and Prime Minister. In his own time he too achieved eminence in New Zealand, becoming Chairman of Council of Victoria University, Wellington and subsequently Cha