For young doctors embarking on a career in medicine, the decision on which path to take is often influenced by their experiences as an undergraduate student and, in particular, by those doctors and teachers who have stimulated and encouraged them. Likewise, inspiration can be derived from studying the life and work of eminent practitioners of the past. A final year elective module provided me with the opportunity to undertake a detailed critique of an aspect of the history of medicine of my choosing, which enabled me to investigate the history of hip replacement. This opened my eyes to the prodigious contribution of Sir John Charnley in the field of orthopaedics. His commitment to the practice and advancement of medical science is indeed an inspiration. This account of John Charnley's work is a testimony to the lifetime achievements of one man, whose hard work and dedication have brought enormous benefit to generations of patients the world over.