MB ChB 1911, MD 1916.
The son of professor William Stirling, Stirling junior gained his medical education at the University of Manchester. After graduating he held resident appointments at Barnes Convalescent Hospital and Manchester Royal Eye Hospital. He served as a captain in the RAMC and was ophthalmic surgeon in charge of the Calais Ophthalmic Centre of the British Expeditionary Force. Stirling was later appointed honorary surgeon to Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, and was also consultant honorary surgeon to Ancoats Hospital and to Leigh Infirmary. He was a member of the Manchester Medical and Pathological Societies and of the North of England Ophthalmic Society.