He was a very popular teacher in the times when the old system was in vogue by which apprenticeship to a well-known surgeon was one of the portals to the profession of surgery.
In 1844 he became a fellow of the latter body, and in 1849 was elected surgeon to the Meath Hospital, Dublin, to which institution his father was attached in the same capacity.
He was a man of popular manner, and ambitious of social distinction, and was for many years one of the best known men in his native city.
In his earlier years he frequently gave expert evidence in the coroner's court, and in 1882 he was one of those who were called upon to examine the bodies of Lord Frederick Cavendish and Thomas Henry Burke, who were murdered in the Phœnix Park.
Sir George Porter was attached to many of the Dublin hospitals in an honorary or consulting capacity, and was an active member of numerous charitable and other boards.
He acquired by purchase landed property in co. Wexford, and was proud of his position as a country gentleman, and especially of being high sheriff of the county.