RCSEd announces suite of honours and new deans

A host of the biggest names in medicine have received special recognition as the RCSEd concludes the year.

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.

Branwen’s 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, Branwen 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, Branwen 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. 

Mike, a retired Consultant Breast Surgeon for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, was honoured for his significant contributions to the medical profession. 

Fellowship ad hominem recipients also included:

• Professor Christopher Halloran, Professor of Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool. Professor Halloran is a prolific academic surgeon who leads many international translational research projects in pancreatic surgery.
• Professor David Healy, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon, St Vincent’s and Mater Misericordiae University Hospitals, Dublin. Professor 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. 
• Professor Rakesh Uppal, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Barts Heart Centre, London. Professor Uppal was nominated for the award for his major contribution to the specialty 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, Professor Rowan Parks, President of RCSEd, said:

RCSEd has also appointed two new Deans of Education and Examinations to enhance the College’s education, training and assessment offerings. 

Professor 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. 

Jon’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, Jon will oversee the College’s educational offerings, ensuring the highest of 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. 

John is a leading consultant urological surgeon and recently completed his term as Chair of the Intercollegiate Committee for Basic Surgical Examinations (ICBSE).

John will oversee all of the College’s surgical, dental and various healthcare related examinations, upholding standards of assessment to promote patient safety worldwide.