College Voice
College Voice is the magazine of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. If you are interested in contributing, please email: media@rcpsg.ac.uk
Copyright 2025. The text and images in this publication may not be reproduced without permission from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. To request permission, please contact the editors.
Produced by Communications and Marketing.
Editors Kat Hannah and Fiona Hooker
Writers Hannah Parker, Fiona Hooker, Steven Shanahan, Bobby Rae, Kat Hannah, Lisa Ross, Raga Shankar, Lorenzo Iafrate
Design Andrew Smith, Craig Gallacher
Print Winter and Simpson Print
Photography Jamie Simpson (p.2, 3, 5, 7–9, 28–29, 38–39), Kirsty Anderson (cover, inside cover, 18–23, 33), Harrison Stubbs (p.10–12), Peter Sandground (p.27), unless otherwise noted Illustrations GoodStudio
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The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow is a Scottish Charity, no SC000847, regulated by the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) 1 College Voice
Welcome to College Voice
I’ve been delighted to connect with so many of you in our 425th anniversary year. It’s been a wonderful time to open the doors of our College and connect with the communities we serve.
We did just that in April with our first 425th Anniversary Leadership Lecture, given by Nobel Prize winner, Professor Sir David MacMillan. He shared his remarkable journey from Scotland to the heights of academia in the USA, highlighting the challenges and triumphs along the way.
I first met Sir David when Past President Mike McKirdy and I conducted a ceremony conferring an honorary fellowship on him in California in February 2024. It was a particular delight to welcome him home to Scotland, and his story (p.18) showcases the power of perseverance and dedication.
Our College has a long history of igniting innovation to improve patient care. On p.6, College Member Lorenzo
Iafrate examines how the principles of the emerging field of Realistic Dentistry can be adopted to empower patients.
We’re also continuing our conversations about how to tackle the issues that affect us all, including the rapid rise of obesity in populations around the globe. As a frontline interventional cardiologist, I’m particularly aware of the impact this is having on long-term health. TV broadcaster, doctor and scientist Chris van Tulleken explores how ultra-processed food is affecting the health of people and the planet on p.14.
I encourage you to share your stories with us. Please get in touch on president@rcpsg.ac.uk
Professor Hany Eteiba President
Right: Professor Hany Eteiba
Right: New Fellows and Members
Celebrating our heritage
01 More support needed for new consultants, College finds
The latest survey of medical certificate of completion of training (CCT) holders’ career progression reveals significant gaps in workplace support for early years consultants.
The survey, a collaboration between our College and the Royal College of Physicians in London, the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, and the Joint Royal Colleges of Physicians Training Board, found that less than half (44%) of newlyappointed consultant respondents were offered a mentor or equivalent support and just 21% of respondents knew that their trust or board had a new consultant development programme.
The College is poised to help fill the gap through our mentoring platform, buddy scheme and networks. The New Consultant Network –a series of workshops led by consultants for new consultants offering meaningful peer-to-peer support – is also set to be rolled out this year.
Dr Morven McElroy, College Honorary Secretary, said: “This survey provides an important insight into the challenges faced by new consultants.
“As a College, we are dedicated to expanding support for consultants at this pivotal career stage.”
Find out more about mentoring at the College: rcp.sg/mymentoring
02 New documentary celebrates pioneering surgeon
The College is marking the life and impact of surgical innovator
Sir William Macewen (1848–1924) through a new documentary, The Boy from Bute.
If you’ve been at our College for a course or conference in recent months, you might have spotted our exhibition, William Macewen: At the Cutting Edge. Our Crush Hall is filled with the story of Macewen and his ground-breaking career in surgery.
Macewen achieved the world’s first successful brain tumour removal and many other surgical developments. Now you can discover more about this inspiring Fellow wherever you are in the world.
To watch the documentary, visit: rcp.sg/boyfrombute
Left:
Sir William Macewen’s life and work is explored through a new documentary, The Boy from Bute
04 College honours eight inspiring figures
Seven new Honorary Fellows and a President’s Medal winner have been welcomed to the College community.
Chartered Accountant and academic Professor Mark Allison was awarded an honorary fellowship in October for his services as the College’s first lay trustee.
In November, we recognised Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer, Sir Gregor Smith, for services to public health. He was honoured alongside Professor Jon Lund and Professor Abdul Majeed Chaudhry, who were recognised for their contributions to surgical education.
The same month, we honoured Professor Dame Anna Dominiczak, who has served as Scotland’s Chief Scientist since 2022, for her contribution to medical research.
Professor Eric Borgstein, a Foundation Fellow of the College of Surgeons of East and Central and Southern Africa was honoured for his contribution to expanding paediatric surgery and surgical training in Malawi.
In December, we recognised Mrs Jane Chiodini MBE, founding Fellow of the College’s Faculty of Travel Medicine. She was the first female and first nurse to become Dean of the Faculty.
03 Glasgow Blythswood Festival
An upcoming festival will celebrate the culture and heritage of Blythswood, the historic and celebrated area of Glasgow city centre that has been home to our College since 1862.
As part of the festival, we’ll host two guided tours and a special event to celebrate the eminent architect behind our magnificent College Hall and extension, which dates from 1893. Niall Murphy, Director of Glasgow City Heritage Trust, will discuss the career and buildings of Sir John James Burnet (1857–1938).
‘The Enigma of Sir John James Burnet’ takes place on the evening of Thursday 15 May 2025.
For more information and tickets, visit: rcp.sg/blythswood
The President’s Medal for 2024 was awarded to consultant ear, nose and throat surgeon Professor Mahmood Bhutta for his contribution to global health and improving sustainability in healthcare.
Clockwise from top left:
Professor Jon Lund, Sir Gregor Smith and Professor Abdul Majeed Chaudhry; Dame Anna Dominiczak; Professor Mahmood Bhutta; Mrs Jane Chiodini
Left: Our College has been based on Blythswood Hill since 1862
Your conference in the heart of Glasgow
Looking for the perfect venue to host your next association event or conference? Then look no further. The 1599 at the Royal College team are experts in hosting events of all sizes – from small training sessions to large, hybrid conferences. Coming to the College gives you the chance to blend historic charm with modern facilities. Whether that’s a hands-on workshop in our clinical skills lab or an elegant dinner in College Hall, we can provide the specialist support you need to make your event a success. Plus, Fellows and Members receive exclusive discounts on events.
Contact us for more information and a quote: bookings@1599.co.uk | 0845 388 1599 | 1599.co.uk