Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, the 67-year-old was the first of three brothers to study medicine at the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland.

His son Riaz said Dr Ajam came to Australia in August 1979 with only $300 to his name.

Dr Ajam's first surgery was in Caringbah, followed by Miranda Medical Centre in 1986.

The practice soon grew to include medical centres in Hurstville, Warrawong, Pagewood, Lakemba and Yagoona.

In the past few years he helped establish Jannali and Yarrawarrah medical clinics.

Dr Ajam was awarded the Excellence in Workmanship Award by Rotary in 2007, and was active with Kogarah Lions Club.

His family said he was a musician at heart and loved to play the harmonica and Indian tabla.

Friends of Dr Ajam will gather at Miranda Hotel at 4pm today (July 2) to celebrate his life.