BSc Manch 1951, MB ChB 1955; DObst RCOG 1957; FRCGP 1982.
Caplan was born in Manchester on 19 January 1930. After studying at Manchester Grammar School andthe University of Manchester, Caplan worked at Crumpsall Hospital, Manchester, first as house physician then as obstetrical and gynaecological house surgeon. He was later appointed part time lecturer in general practice at the University. Caplan was a principal general practitioner since 1958 and had a practice at the Collegiate Medical Centre in Manchester. In 1979 he was appointed hospital practitioner at Withington Hospital, Manchester. Caplan was a member of Manchester Medical Society .