A host of big names in medicine have received special recognition.
The Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh (RCSEd) recently honoured a number of prominent figures in the medical field, including a former BBC editor and the president of a sister Royal Surgical College.
Branwen Jeffreys, whose late father was a fellow of the college, has been formally appointed and robed as a regent of the college.
Jeffreys’ distinguished career with the BBC includes her tenure as the corporation’s first education editor and nearly a decade as a senior health correspondent, where she initiated an award-winning emergency wait tracker and explored the ethics of rationing healthcare.
Beyond her work with the BBC, Jeffreys has also served as a governor on The Health Foundation board for nine years.
In her role as a member of The Court of Regents, she will provide strategic advice to the college, and enhance its influence and visibility in local and global networks.
Mr Mike McKirdy, a renowned medical professional who has recently concluded his term as president of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, has been awarded the fellowship ad hominem of RCSEd.
Mr McKirdy, a retired consultant breast surgeon for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, was honoured for his significant contributions to the medical profession.
Mr McKirdy said: “I am deeply honoured and grateful to be awarded the fellowship ad hominem. This recognition is not just for me, but for all the dedicated medical professionals I’ve had the privilege of working with. I’d like to thank them all for their unwavering support and for inspiring me to contribute significantly to our extraordinary profession.”
Fellowship ad hominem recipients also included:
- Prof Christopher Halloran, Professor of Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool. Prof Halloran is a prolific academic surgeon who leads many international translational research projects in pancreatic surgery.
- Prof David Healy, consultant cardiothoracic surgeon, St Vincent’s and Mater Misericordiae University Hospitals, Dublin. Prof Healy also contributes as editor-in-chief of The Surgeon - Journal of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.
- Prof Rakesh Uppal, consultant cardiothoracic surgeon, Barts Heart Centre, London. Prof Uppal was nominated for the award for his major contribution to the speciality through his clinical work and leadership roles related to the development of cardiothoracic surgery services in the largest UK Trust and across London.
Reflecting on the honours, Prof Rowan Parks, president of RCSEd, said:
“It’s a real privilege to bestow Mike McKirdy with the fellowship ad hominem - one of the college’s highest honours. It is important for us to recognise the impact Mike has had on the profession on a global scale and pay homage to the special relationship we have with our sister college. We look forward to continuing this collaboration in the coming years.
“Branwen will also be an invaluable asset to the college. We will benefit hugely from her experience and passion for medical inclusivity. We look forward to the strategic guidance she will provide.”
RCSEd has also appointed two new deans of education and examinations to enhance the college’s education, training and assessment offerings.
Prof Jon Lund, head of the Academic Department of Surgery at the University of Nottingham in Derby and an honorary consultant colorectal surgeon at the Royal Derby Hospital, has been appointed as dean of education.
Prof Lund's profound interest in surgical education is reflected in his extensive contribution to training and education, supervision of higher degrees, published research articles and his leadership roles including as chair of the Joint Committee on Surgical Training (JCST).
In this voluntary role, he will oversee the college’s educational offerings, ensuring the highest standards and access for all trainees.
Mr John Hines, consultant urological surgeon at University College London Hospital and honorary associate professor at University College London has been appointed as dean of examinations.
Mr Hines is a leading consultant urological surgeon and recently completed his term as chair of the Intercollegiate Committee for Basic Surgical Examinations (ICBSE). He will oversee all of the college’s surgical, dental and various healthcare-related examinations, upholding standards of assessment to promote patient safety worldwide.
Prof Parks continued: “We are confident that the wealth of experience and passion both Prof Jon Lund and Mr John Hines bring to their new roles as deans will greatly contribute to the continued excellence in our surgical education and examinations portfolio.”
The Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh (RCSEd) recently honoured a number of prominent figures in the medical field, including a former BBC editor and the president of a sister Royal Surgical College.
Branwen Jeffreys, whose late father was a fellow of the college, has been formally appointed and robed as a regent of the college.
Jeffreys’ distinguished career with the BBC includes her tenure as the corporation’s first education editor and nearly a decade as a senior health correspondent, where she initiated an award-winning emergency wait tracker and explored the ethics of rationing healthcare.
Beyond her work with the BBC, Jeffreys has also served as a governor on The Health Foundation board for nine years.
In her role as a member of The Court of Regents, she will provide strategic advice to the college, and enhance its influence and visibility in local and global networks.
Mr Mike McKirdy, a renowned medical professional who has recently concluded his term as president of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, has been awarded the fellowship ad hominem of RCSEd.
Mr McKirdy, a retired consultant breast surgeon for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, was honoured for his significant contributions to the medical profession.
Mr McKirdy said: “I am deeply honoured and grateful to be awarded the fellowship ad hominem. This recognition is not just for me, but for all the dedicated medical professionals I’ve had the privilege of working with. I’d like to thank them all for their unwavering support and for inspiring me to contribute significantly to our extraordinary profession.”
Fellowship ad hominem recipients also included:
- Prof Christopher Halloran, Professor of Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool. Prof Halloran is a prolific academic surgeon who leads many international translational research projects in pancreatic surgery.
- Prof David Healy, consultant cardiothoracic surgeon, St Vincent’s and Mater Misericordiae University Hospitals, Dublin. Prof Healy also contributes as editor-in-chief of The Surgeon - Journal of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.
- Prof Rakesh Uppal, consultant cardiothoracic surgeon, Barts Heart Centre, London. Prof Uppal was nominated for the award for his major contribution to the speciality through his clinical work and leadership roles related to the development of cardiothoracic surgery services in the largest UK Trust and across London.
Reflecting on the honours, Prof Rowan Parks, president of RCSEd, said:
“It’s a real privilege to bestow Mike McKirdy with the fellowship ad hominem - one of the college’s highest honours. It is important for us to recognise the impact Mike has had on the profession on a global scale and pay homage to the special relationship we have with our sister college. We look forward to continuing this collaboration in the coming years.
“Branwen will also be an invaluable asset to the college. We will benefit hugely from her experience and passion for medical inclusivity. We look forward to the strategic guidance she will provide.”
RCSEd has also appointed two new deans of education and examinations to enhance the college’s education, training and assessment offerings.
Prof Jon Lund, head of the Academic Department of Surgery at the University of Nottingham in Derby and an honorary consultant colorectal surgeon at the Royal Derby Hospital, has been appointed as dean of education.
Prof Lund's profound interest in surgical education is reflected in his extensive contribution to training and education, supervision of higher degrees, published research articles and his leadership roles including as chair of the Joint Committee on Surgical Training (JCST).
In this voluntary role, he will oversee the college’s educational offerings, ensuring the highest standards and access for all trainees.
Mr John Hines, consultant urological surgeon at University College London Hospital and honorary associate professor at University College London has been appointed as dean of examinations.
Mr Hines is a leading consultant urological surgeon and recently completed his term as chair of the Intercollegiate Committee for Basic Surgical Examinations (ICBSE). He will oversee all of the college’s surgical, dental and various healthcare-related examinations, upholding standards of assessment to promote patient safety worldwide.
Prof Parks continued: “We are confident that the wealth of experience and passion both Prof Jon Lund and Mr John Hines bring to their new roles as deans will greatly contribute to the continued excellence in our surgical education and examinations portfolio.”
