In tribute: Remembering RCP members and fellows who died from COVID-19 in 2020 INTRODUCTION

President’s introduction: in tribute to colleagues who have died from COVID-19

On one hand, this is a publication that family, reading through them is ideally should never have needed to remarkably inspiring as well. So much has be produced. On the other, it is good been achieved by each and every one of we have the opportunity to celebrate our colleagues celebrated here that our the lives of the who died memories of them and the legacies they during the pandemic. leave behind are all positive. I am proud that they were members and fellows of As I write this, the pandemic is still in its the RCP and that they all changed the second wave, and while the first vaccine lives of the patients they cared for and has been authorised by the MHRA, there the colleagues they worked with. They is still a long way to go – and I worry that are role models for us all. more obituaries will need to be written in the months to come. We are hosting this We will also be creating a permanent collection of tributes online to allow such memorial to all of the members and additions, sad though that will be. fellows that have died from COVID-19, which will be in the grounds of our We also realise there will be people that Regent’s Park home. Other memorials will should be included that, for whatever be created around the world for doctors reason, we have omitted in the first and other emergency care workers, but publication. This is either because their ours will be dedicated to those who are obituary was not ready or that we have members of the RCP family. We will not been notified of their death. If you unveil this next year when, hopefully, the are aware of anyone we may have worst of the pandemic is over. missed please let us know. For the moment though, let’s celebrate Although such a collection of obituaries the lives of our colleagues in the pages Professor represents a huge loss to our hereafter. May they rest in peace. RCP president

In tribute: Remembering RCP members and fellows who died from COVID-19 in 2020 1 Contents

Matteo Adinolfi 3

Medhat Atalla 5

Tapan Banerjee 6

William (Bill) Cattell 7

Bruno Cheong 9

Judith Darmady 10

Alfred William (Bill) Frankland 12

Anthony (Tony) Gershlick 14

Kenneth Goldman 16

Martin Mansell 17

Victor Miller 19

John Norris 21

Sivaramakrishna Iyer Padmavati 23

Tariq Shafi 25

Peter Tun 26

In tribute: Remembering RCP members and fellows who died from COVID-19 in 2020 2 Matteo AdinolfiMRCP 10 December 1928 – 26 April 2020

PhD(1954), MD(1966), MRCP(1997)

Matteo Adinolfi was , where he and his born in 1928 in Asmara, international colleagues developed laser microscopy in prenatal brush. This allowed use of only a Eritrea, to Attilio, a bank diagnoses of chromosome disorders few cells to make the diagnosis of manager, and his wife and single cell gene defects. For the various genetic anomalies. Their Maria (née Sellitti), who next 30 years, Adinolfi worked as a initial paper was published in The Lancet in 1995. A similar technique had fled there from Italy consultant, teacher, and researcher at Guy’s and at University College is now used to detect fetal cells in to escape fascism. Attilio Hospital, and in Lambeth, Southwark, maternal blood, allowing for a fully had been able to arramge and Lewisham Area Health Authority. non-invasive prenatal diagnosis of a transfer to the bank’s In 1983, he was appointed professor fetal chromosomal abnormalities. This has been a revolution in Eritrean branch. of developmental at the University of London, and in 1994 he prenatal diagnosis, and Matteo went to the Galton Institute at UCL. certainly contributed to it. I had the Adinolfi remembered attending privilege and honour to contribute a local school with a handful of His colleague Eric Jauniaux recalled: to some of their projects. Matteo other Italian children, and enjoyed was a true gentleman, modest trips to the seaside. In his teens, ‘I first met Matteo soon after I was but enthusiastic, greater than life, he developed a lifelong passion appointed at UCL in 1995. I was a and dedicated to his work. I had for Russian novels. On a visit back very young senior lecturer then and the opportunity to meet him and to Naples in 1943, the family was he was already a scientific celebrity. his wife socially and have great trapped by the advancing war and Although we did not work in the memories of these events and, unable to return to Africa. Attilio same department, he had a well- of course, of his fantastic Italian joined the navy. Matteo, his mother, established research relationship dishes.’ and two sisters fled the bombing with Charles Rodeck, pioneer in of Naples, taking shelter in the fetal . Together they Rodeck recalled: surrounding hillside. They fled from established collaboration on the one hill to another, foraging for food, use of transcervical trophoblastic ‘After retiring from Guy’s, Matteo and finding shelter where they could. cells for the early diagnosis of relocated to the Galton Lab (as it Matteo was half starved and severely genetic anomalies. This was an then was) at UCL. I had returned ill with gastroenteritis; the experience incredibly difficult technique that to UCL as head of the department motivated him to become a doctor. Matteo had managed to develop of and a and perfect. In the 1990s it was few years earlier and needed a Adinolfi read medicine at the considered as a possible alternative collaborator in genetics to work University of Naples and worked to invasive prenatal diagnostic on prenatal diagnosis. It was ideal there until 1962. In the same year, techniques, such as amniocentesis that our interests overlapped so he moved to London and joined and placental biopsy or chorionic much. Genetic analytic techniques the haematology research unit villous sampling, which Rodeck had become so sensitive and at the Wright Fleming Institute, had pioneered. In brief, instead sophisticated that we were able to as well as practising at St Mary’s of having to put a needle inside do research on single cell analysis Hospital. In 1966 he was awarded the uterus of a pregnant woman for non-invasive prenatal diagnosis. his doctorate in immunology at the at risk of a genetic anomaly, their He would drop into my office University of London and became technique consisted of gently frequently, wearing his jaunty a senior lecturer at the paediatric harvesting placental cells from the cap, and liven up the day. He and research unit at Guy’s Hospital and cervix of the patient using a simple his co-workers collaborated with

In tribute: Remembering RCP members and fellows who died from COVID-19 in 2020 3 my research fellows and trainees, types of printing techniques and, printing techniques, and read modern and were helpful to and much more recently, how to make metal literature and poetry, which was appreciated by the latter. It was sculptures. My collages, etchings, another lifelong passion. a very productive period. What a linocuts and sculptures are shown remarkable life he had. Those roots in galleries (and even sold) at least He published hundreds of scientific in Naples, the early years in Africa, twice a year. Sometimes I suspect papers and contributed to many and then a hugely distinguished they have made me more ‘famous’ books. career in London.’ than my scientific papers, at least among my friends.’ He leaves his wife, Jennifer, and three Throughout his career, Adinolfi children – Carlo, Nora, and Marina – mentored many students. According He and other scientists founded from his first marriage to Annetta De to Terry Gibson, consultant the popular 407 Art Club at Guy’s Giorgio, which ended in divorce. His rheumatologist at Guy’s: ‘Matteo was Hospital, inviting doctors and nurses second wife, Camille Guthrie, died in rarely without a retinue of students as to join. He met his wife, Jennifer 1975. he walked along the corridors.’ Williams, an artist, at an etching class at the City Literary Institute in 1978 Rebecca Wallersteiner Adinolfi was also a talented artist. and they married in 1985. The couple In his youth, he had been tempted participated in artist book fairs and This obituary was originally to attend art college. He explained: shared creative projects. published online by the BMJ: ‘A large part of my time has been, and is still, spent doing artwork Adinolfi retired in 2004, aged 76, www.bmj.com/content/370/bmj. and attending evening art classes, which provided him with more time m3309 where I have learned different to create, learn different types of

Examples of Matteo’s artwork. Left: To the galaxies (1976). Right: Al concerto (1996).

In tribute: Remembering RCP members and fellows who died from COVID-19 in 2020 4 Medhat Atalla MRCP 3 January 1958 – 22 April 2020

MB ChB(1981), MSc(1987), MRCP(2005), FRCP(Edin)(2017)

A greatly respected and much-loved doctor, his colleagues describe him as a gentleman, whose smile would light up a room.

Medhat was born 1958 in Egypt and, Dr Andrew Oates, consultant how Medhat held his ward teams in as a boy, was the country’s 100 and geriatrician and clinical director, very high regard and viewed them as 200 metre freestyle and breaststroke had known Medhat since he was family. champion. He was the eldest of a specialist registrar in geriatric three siblings, and his father was medicine. He remembers him as an Dr Rekha Ramanath, consultant Mr Soby Atalla, a vice minister in the extremely hardworking colleague, geriatrician, colleague and close Department of Electric Ministry in who was very enthusiastic about his personal friend, wrote of Dr Atalla: Egypt. work and a quick learner, reflecting: ‘To me, he was a very special friend ‘He was a truly wonderful person to and a fantastic colleague. We Medhat obtained his Bachelor of have in the department.’ worked together for the last ten Medicine and degree from years in perfect harmony. He was a the prestigious Ain Shams University Nursing staff fondly remember gentleman, and addressed me and in Cairo in 1981, before going on his personal approach to his work. all his colleagues by our surname. to practise medicine across three He was very meticulous, and he He grinned cheekily every time I continents: Africa, Asia and Europe. reminded the staff to record lying reminded him to call me Rekha, A hugely distinguished health and standing blood pressures at all rather than Dr Ramanath. He worked professional, Dr Atalla had been a times, and was known for chasing until he developed symptoms of consultant physician and geriatrician colleagues with an observations sheet COVID-19. He came to me when he at Doncaster Royal Infirmary since in-hand to ensure it was competed – needed assistance and considered 2011, a fellow of the Royal College which always made them laugh. me part of his close-knit family. I was of Physicians (Edinburgh) and also privileged to be with him, holding his an examiner for MRCP(UK) PACES Holding a special place of affection hand, while he took his last breath.’ examinations – a role he enjoyed among them, staff nurses always kept immensely. at least one tendon hammer hidden Above all else, Dr Medhat Atalla will on the ward at all times, available be missed, forever honoured and In early 2020, Medhat began for his specific use. Reflecting upon remembered by all of us at Doncaster exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, their much-missed colleague, they and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals. and unfortunately his condition remember most his great ability to He was a truly special doctor and a deteriorated rapidly. Diligently cared make everyone comfortable, how his uniquely gentle, gentleman – may he for by the same nurses and doctors smile would light up the room, and rest in peace. he worked alongside, he passed how he provided the best care for his away peacefully, surrounded by his patients while also taking care of the colleagues and friends. staff – he was their trusted friend. This tribute has been jointly written by staff at Doncaster Dr Atalla was greatly respected and Dr Victoria Barradell, consultant and Bassetlaw Teaching loved by all who knew him, and a geriatrician, remembers his constant Hospitals Trust. number of colleagues have shared willingness to bend over backwards their memories of him. to help his colleagues, describing

In tribute: Remembering RCP members and fellows who died from COVID-19 in 2020 5 Tapan Banerjee FRCP 3 November 1940 – 31 July 2020

MBBS(1965), MRCP(1973), FRCP(1991), FRCP(Edin)(1994)

‘Dr Banerjee exmplified all the best attributes of a physician, putting the care of his patients and the support of his trainees and colleagues at the heart of his work.’

Dr Tapan Kumar Banerjee was born Sri Aurobindo Seva Kendra (a not- Goddard, president of the RCP, wrote as Chandrashekhar Kumar Banerjee. for-profit hospital), and the Apollo in a letter: ‘He exemplified all the best He resolved, at quite a young age, to Gleneagles Medical Centre. He was attributes of a physician, putting the jettison his formal birth name and be also associated with the US Consulate care of his patients and the support known by his simpler nickname, on the in Calcutta as its chief medical adviser. of his trainees and colleagues at the grounds that it sounded less ornate. Dr Banerjee kept alive his association heart of his work.’ This, in many ways, would foreshadow with the RCP in London by serving as his personal and professional world an international adviser for several Professor Andrew Elder, former view. As an obituary in India’s years. He was also appointed as one president of the RCP in Edinburgh Statesman newspaper observed, of the first Indian examiners for the and former medical director of Dr Banerjee was ‘among the last of MRCP PACES examination, examining PACES, issued a statement describing a dying breed in this world of super- in Calcutta and Chennai. He played a Dr Banerjee as ‘a tremendous specialisations, an old-school physician pivotal role in bringing and conducting ambassador for medicine, for his city who trusted his vast experience of the PACES examination in Calcutta, and for his country.’ Among colleagues medicine and his immense diagnostic which has since hosted examinees in Calcutta he had mentored, noted skills to offer sound and sensible advice from eastern India, Bangladesh and surgeon Dr Sanjay De Bakshi stated: to his patients.’ South-East Asia. ‘I first met Dr Banerjee as a young resident surgeon at Sri Aurobindo Dr Banerjee obtained his MBBS degree Dr Banerjee’s patients included Seva Kendra, and was immediately from Sir Nil Ratan Sircar Medical prominent personalities in India, such taken under his very comforting College in Calcutta. He subsequently as film stars, international cricketers, and protective wing. This caring passed his MRCP examination and artists, politicians, civil servants mentorship was unstintingly became a fellow of the RCP in London and diplomats. He also tended to extended to me when I returned and Edinburgh. Prior to working hundreds of patients from modest from my 4-year stint in the UK with in India, Dr Banerjee worked as a backgrounds for little or no fee. an FRCS. Dr Banerjee went that extra house officer at Selly Oak Hospital A popular raconteur, he was a mile to teach a young surgeon how in Birmingham, registrar at Bedford member of various prestigious social to set up surgical practice in Calcutta Hospital, senior registrar at Ipswich clubs, such as the Bengal Club (where and never lose the spirit of honesty, Hospital, and consultant physician at he became its 107th president in integrity and empathy, something he Sunderland Royal Hospital. During this 2000), the Tollygunge Club and the himself never ever compromised on.’ period, Dr Angus Buchanan, consultant Calcutta Club. At the Bengal Club, physician at Bedford Hospital, he advocated for a relaxation in the Dr Banerjee was survived by his wife ranked as one of Dr Banerjee’s most membership criteria for doctors (who Binita, sons Arnab and Arpan, and important mentors. he felt were subject to unfairly high older brother Dr Dilip Banerjee, a scrutiny) and succeeded in admitting senior consultant in England, who On returning to India, Dr Banerjee many colleagues. was fortunate to have made a quick worked in Calcutta as a senior recovery after contracting COVID-19. consultant physician at the Calcutta Dr Banerjee passed away while still Medical Research Institute, the in active practice. Professor Andrew Arpan Banerjee

In tribute: Remembering RCP members and fellows who died from COVID-19 in 2020 6 William (Bill) Cattell FRCP 25 March 1928 – 11 April 2020

MBChB(1951), MRCP(1956), MRCP(Edin)(1956), MD(1964), FRCP(Edin)(1969), FRCP(1971)

William (Bill) Ross Cattell Unit and Bill subsequently followed was a highly regarded him as lecturer to help to start a renal service. In 1960, they set up a nephrologist who regional dialysis unit for acute renal helped to set up the first failure. haemodialysis service for acute renal failure at St At Barts, Bill became involved in several animal research projects, Bartholomew’s Hospital including an investigation of renal (Barts). function in dogs with obstructive jaundice, which led to an MD. He Subsequently, he set up a new renal was awarded a Rockefeller Travelling unit between Barts and St Leonard’s Fellowship and spent a year working Hospital, with routine haemodialysis in AS (Bud) Relman’s laboratory in for chronic renal failure being Boston. When he returned to Barts undertaken at St Leonard’s. Bill had in 1964 as senior lecturer, he started a strong commitment to research two major research projects on which throughout his career, and was much of his reputation rests. The first, widely recognised for his pioneering on urinary tract infection, was done studies on urinary tract infection and in collaboration with Francis O’Grady, renal . He was an excellent professor of microbiology at Barts. , Barts became a regional teacher and mentor, and was much Their theoretical work on the kinetics dialysis centre in 1965, and Bill was liked by his patients for his direct of urinary tract infection and their appointed as consultant at both approach and clear explanations. clinical studies on the management Barts and St Leonard’s Hospital in of urinary tract infection led to better Shoreditch. He set up a renal unit Bill’s youth was spent on a farm understanding and management of between the two hospitals, with near Nairn in northern Scotland. He this common problem. regular haemodialysis being carried was educated at Inverness Royal out at the new St Leonard’s unit. Academy and studied medicine in In the second project, on renal In addition, where possible, patients Edinburgh, where he obtained five radiology, he worked with the were trained to undertake self- first class merits. Several of his junior radiologist Dr Ian Kelsey Fry. Their supervised haemodialysis at home. medical posts were in chest medicine studies of the renal excretion of and he did his National Service in the iodinated contrast medium led to a At that time, demand for dialysis Suez Canal Zone. He claimed that an better understanding of the factors in end-stage renal failure exceeded army assessment found him to have affecting the intravenous urogram, supply in the UK. This could be an IQ of 90, significantly below the and resulted in improved radiological stressful for staff, as could the fact median – but never revealed what he practice. Bill published over 120 peer- that they were rapidly having to got up to the night before the test. reviewed papers, and a large number learn management of a relatively of invited articles and book chapters. new type of treatment. Bill promoted His interest in renal medicine and He co-authored a book on renal a strong team spirit, with regular in research was stimulated by imaging and edited one on urinary renal unit meetings at which working as registrar to Professor tract infection. everyone was encouraged to speak and Dr AG Spencer openly. He was ahead of his time at University College Hospital. Dr After dialysis for chronic renal failure in that he also arranged for Trevor Spencer moved to the Barts Medical developed into an established Silverstone, professor of ,

In tribute: Remembering RCP members and fellows who died from COVID-19 in 2020 7 tired for 15 years!’ That entreaty turned the tide.

Bill had a strong commitment to During his career, Bill was involved research throughout his career, and was in NHS administration at both district and regional levels. He was widely recognised for his pioneering a member, and later secretary, of the Renal Association. He was studies on urinary tract infection and also a member of Council of the renal radiology. European Dialysis and Transplant Association, and a member of the Medical Research Society, and of the to attend occasional meetings to work was taken over by a new renal Association of Physicians of Great discuss issues causing concern to staff unit at the Barts site. An academic Britain and Ireland. and to provide support. department of was established and its laboratory, After retiring from practice, Bill Further developments included which had a special interest in was honorary librarian at the Royal the establishment of ‘satellite’ immunoassay, was run by Dr Anne Society of Medicine (RSM) and was haemodialysis units, and of Dawnay. These research facilities also a member of the Committee continuous ambulatory peritoneal were used by many young scientists of the Royal Society of Medicine dialysis. In 1971, Dr Laurence and physicians preparing for higher Retired Fellows Society. He enjoyed Baker was appointed as consultant science degrees and MDs. having more time to visit the theatre and honorary senior lecturer and and art exhibitions in London, thereafter he and Bill operated a Over time, and helped by the and was particularly pleased to 1-in-2 consultant on-call rota, which appointment of Dr (later Professor) be able to spend more time at his Bill must have considered something Anthony Raine in 1988, the Barts home in Gissing in Norfolk. He was of a luxury. Nephrology Department came to predeceased by his first wife, Ann be recognised both nationally and Beardwell, with whom he had three A successful renal transplantation internationally. Obtaining funding for children, Ross, Sarah and Caroline. programme at Barts started towards Anthony Raine’s appointment took With his second wife, Pat Gordon, he the end of 1971, with the surgical all of Bill’s ingenuity. In the crucial had two children, Kate and Alex. He is work mainly provided by members meeting at Barts, it seemed that the survived by Pat, his five children and of the Barts Department: proposed third consultant post might ten grandchildren. John Wickham, Bill Hendry and not be funded. However, Bill came up Hugh Whitfield. In the 1980s, the St with the plea: ‘Please give us a third Laurence Baker Leonards Renal Unit closed and its consultant – I am tired, I have been and Judith Webb

In tribute: Remembering RCP members and fellows who died from COVID-19 in 2020 8 Bruno Cheong FRCP 1 February 1957 – 27 April 2020

MBChB(1980), MRCP(UK)(1983), FRCP(2016)

A respiratory physician who treated all his patients with compassion, dedication and the human touch.

Dr Bruno Cheong became a member – was everybody’s friend, and in cause. Continuously keeping up to of the RCP in 1983, a mere 3 return everybody was Bruno’s friend. date, he contributed to the teachings years after qualifying from Cardiff of his peers at all levels. He embraced University. On a cold and crisp Bruno joined the diversity of approach and understood November evening in Birmingham, service on the island in 1989, when its value with an open mind, never where he was working at the time the system was on the way towards patronising non-UK graduates. His last as an senior house officer in internal major reform. He was an eminent role was as consultant in charge of the medicine, he celebrated the passing physician who treated all his patients Medical Unit at Flacq Hospital, now re- of the MRCP examination at a local with compassion, dedication and the named Dr Bruno Cheong Hospital. Chinese restaurant – on the menu: human touch, which demarcated him roast duck, steamed sea bass and from his peers. He also contributed Despite his heavy workload, Bruno lemon meringue, washed down immensely through all the meetings always found time for friends and with a pint of shandy. Joining the and seminars with the policymakers family. His wife of 30 years and two royal college was a much-coveted at the Ministry of Health. Bruno grown-up children were his pride and milestone, and he would proudly be served as president of the Mauritian joy. Bruno was a member of several elected a fellow in 2016. Medical Consultants Association social groups, which included golf from 2011 to 2012 and was still the outings, a local circle of gourmet Making swift progress from junior active vice president of the Mauritian doctors and a group of ten childhood doctor to registrar and research Respiratory Society. friends who have known each other registrar in respiratory medicine, for 52 years, called the Kravats. They he developed an interest in the Accruing over 30 years of service to gathered yearly, spouses included, for treatment of asthma. Several the healthcare system in Mauritius, dinner (steamed fish and roast duck publications later, the completion of Bruno worked tirelessly in several major always on the menu!). his registrar training in Penarth, south hospitals throughout the island. His Wales, led to an overseas opportunity daily routine was an arduous 12-hour Bruno’s death brought great for a year as consultant physician in day, combining a thriving private consternation and grief among the Saudi Arabia. The return home to his practice with his work in the hospital medical fraternity and his patients roots came in 1989 – his life mission setting. He would often say that his alike, as he sadly lost his personal was about to begin. hospital work was where he felt most battle against COVID-19. Bruno, we intellectually stimulated and made his will miss you – but memories of good Bruno was born on the paradise best contribution to society. moments shared will last. island of Mauritius. His humble beginnings, growing up in the back Espousing the merits of evidence- Bruno is survived by his wife Sandra, of his parents’ hardware store, the based medicine, he flew the flag for a talented artist; his daughter Julia, a third of five children, are the backdrop the RCP with pride and distinction. junior doctor for the NHS and his son to a life of early challenges, shaping While understanding the importance Oliver, a graphic designer. a man who would become a hero to of guidelines, he was a practical and so many. While he was an obviously realistic clinician who was not afraid to Harold Hin, Farouk Bholah stellar student, Bruno – the one with challenge dogma: he spoke his mind and Julia Cheong the sunny disposition and easy smile and would always fight for a good

In tribute: Remembering RCP members and fellows who died from COVID-19 in 2020 9 Judith Darmady FRCP 28 September 1935 – 28 April 2020

MRCS(1961), LRCP(1961), DCH(1963), FRCP(1979), FRCPCH(1996), OBE(2010)

A fireball of energy, Judith Darmady was a doctor who made a difference to the lives of children in the UK and around the world.

Following a career as a consultant Following junior posts at Portsmouth She was devoted to her work; one paediatrician, she became involved in and Southampton, she worked at the of her patients wrote: ‘Dr Darmady an orphanage in Romania, which led Cleveland Clinic in the USA between always went beyond the line of her on to global charity work. 1964 and 1966. duty, arriving on the ward early in the morning and popping in late at Judith Darmady was born in She returned to the UK as a night to check on her patients. She London in 1935, and at an early senior lecturer in child health at is kind, caring and loving, giving the age moved down to a small village Southampton General Hospital reassurance and encouragement so near Salisbury. Her father, Michael and was involved in research as greatly needed when you are very ill.’ Darmady, was a pathologist working a fellow at the Institute of Child initially at Salisbury Hospital, then an Health, Hammersmith. One of her She did not marry or have children RAF doctor at RAF Wroughton during interests was cholesterol in infancy. of her own, but had 22 Godchildren. the Second World War. Frustrated She was incredibly sociable and loved by seeing many of the repatriated having friends around. wounded soldiers dying of acute renal failure, he led the construction While she was still working at and clinical use of the first artificial Her drive and Basingstoke Hospital, she answered kidney machine in the UK. determination, an appeal from the Romanian Orphanage Trust for a consultant Judith was educated at Goldophin along with her paediatrician specialising in caring School, where she initially struggled, for children with special needs. She probably due to dyslexia. She was later charm, were was given a 6-month sabbatical to go thrilled to become a governor at the to Romania to help with one of the school. She was determined to be a perfect skills for many orphanages that were a legacy doctor, partly because of her father’s fundraising. of Nicolae Ceauşescu’s regime of work, but also after being involved with promoting population growth. medical care when her brother John The unintended consequence was the had a serious head injury. She was appointed as a consultant abandonment of children who were paediatrician to Basingstoke Hospital deemed ‘incurable’ after failing tests She won a place at St Bartholomew’s in 1972, where she worked for 23 aged 3 years old. Hospital Medical College, London, years. Her contract was one of the and joined a relatively small number first in the UK to include community On her arrival at Ungureni, a village of women there at that time. The paediatrics sessions. She gained in the north of the country, she was male and female students had expertise in disability, cystic fibrosis faced with children who were so separate common rooms, and so and childhood cancer. undernourished that their ages could she had to arrange to play bridge not be determined, and toddlers with with male students in the corridor. In 1996 she became a founding legs and arms tied to beds. She got She qualified in 1961 and found her fellow of the Royal College of to work straight away, and she set up calling, specialising in paediatrics. Paediatrics and Child Health. the Ungureni Trust on her return to

In tribute: Remembering RCP members and fellows who died from COVID-19 in 2020 10 the UK. Her drive and determination, along with her charm, were perfect skills for fundraising.

The trust paid for physiotherapists, special needs teachers, occupational therapists, nurses and junior doctors. The transfer of knowledge benefited the children, the specialists and the Romanian carers. The trust set up models of good practice and then continued to support the children by establishing houses for disabled teenagers and teaching basic skills to allow them to be more independent.

When she retired, she devoted much time to Romania and many other In 2010, her extensive charity work said that she would never go to an charities. In India she travelled the was recognised with the award of airport without bumping into someone Lifeline Express, the world’s first an OBE. In 2012, she was a runner she knew. She had been about to go hospital train, and in Ecuador she up for The Times’ Sternberg Active to Romania the day she first became evaluated proposals for premature Life Award, which honours the unwell in November 2019. baby units. She was also a trustee achievements of people aged over 70. of the Parthenon Trust, and on their behalf she travelled the world to visit She loved travelling, both for her Simon Williams the projects they were supporting. charity work and on holidays. It was

In tribute: Remembering RCP members and fellows who died from COVID-19 in 2020 11 Alfred William (Bill) Frankland FRCP 19 March 1912 – 2 April 2020

MD(1938), FRCP(1995), MBE(2015)

Bill Frankland, who died earlier this year – aged 108 and still writing papers – gave unstinting and unselfish commitment to , to medicine and to humanity over a career spanning 85 years, including decades of work after his official retirement. Dr Frankland with HRH The Princess Royal, patron of The Not Forgotten He was an inspiration to generations Association, at their annual Buckingham Palace garden party for war of allergists worldwide. veterans and members of the armed forces, in 2015.

Bill was a twin. Born prematurely, Indian and even Japanese service in allergy: immunoglobulin E (IgE) weighing 1.4 kg, he was not expected personnel. Such was his reputation, was unknown when he began, and to survive. However, both he and especially in the treatment of non-sedating antihistamines and his brother Jack, who became a dysentery, diphtheria and malaria, steroids were yet to be introduced. clergyman like their father, lived that local civilians sought his opinion. His prodigious memory for detail long lives. Aged nine, Bill caught Despite suffering appalling privation made him an excellent source of tuberculosis; the doctor who treated and being unable to talk about his advice. His curiosity and willingness him made rather a poor impression, experiences until he was over 100, Dr to learn about other fields, such as leading Bill to try to do better in his Frankland bore no malice towards his botany, entomology and psychology own career as a doctor. He read erstwhile captors. His father had once remained sharp until his death. natural sciences at Queen’s College, explained, after Bill had claimed to Like all good allergists, he knew Oxford, before qualifying in medicine hate his brother Jack, that hate did the importance of listening to the in 1938 at St Marys Hospital, London. nobody any good – least of all the patient – and of clear explanation of At the beginning of the Second hater. That childhood lesson set the the facts. World War in 1939, he was mobilised, tone of Bill’s subsequent life. appointed as medical officer to the In the 1940s, allergen desensitisation Warwickshire Regiment and sent to After the war, he returned to St (allergen-specific immunotherapy) Singapore, where he became medical Mary’s Allergy Department (now was a mainstay in the treatment of officer in charge of Tanglin Military renamed the Frankland Clinic), respiratory , having been Hospital. having developed an interest introduced in 1911. In St Mary’s because of his own hay fever. Inoculation Department the scale When Singapore fell in February 1942, The detective work involved gripped was prodigious: in 1945 under Bill was captured and spent 3 and half him for the rest of his long life. His Dr John Freeman, some 6,000 years as a prisoner of war, including activity, in contrast to that of one patients were given pre-seasonal some time in the infamous Changi of his consultants, Sir Alexander pollen vaccine, produced at a Prison. While interned there, he tended Fleming, was mainly clinical, rather pollen farm in Woking, Surrey. The the sick, regardless of their nationality: than in the laboratory. Bill’s career principle had earlier been extended his patients included British, Australian, spanned a time of great advances to include animal dander and

In tribute: Remembering RCP members and fellows who died from COVID-19 in 2020 12 distinguished clinician in the field of allergy each year. In the great tradition of self- On retiring from the NHS in 1977, experimentation, Bill used himself for Bill was asked by Maurice Lessof, professor of medicine at Guy’s an experiment on induction of allergy, Hospital, to help in their allergy clinic using Rhodinus prolixus, a biting on a voluntary basis, which he did for 20 years. His fitness, memory and insect that can induce anaphylaxis. mental agility remained excellent, and Bill communicated easily with all generations, earning his nickname mould spores. It is now thought increasing local reactions, then to ‘the grandfather of allergy’. He that the Inoculation Department severe anaphylaxis. Fortunately, after remained active until his last years: was the source of the momentous two adrenalin injections, he survived. reading journals, participating in contamination in the 1920s of a Unwisely, he then undertook exercise, medical meetings, giving medico- Petri dish in Fleming’s laboratory. necessitating more adrenalin and legal advice, offering clinical advice, Bill, having read about double-blind, provoking an interest in late phase making TV and radio appearances placebo-controlled trials, proceeded reactions. Bill also initiated a pollen and writing papers. to demonstrate the efficacy of grass trap on the roof of St Mary’s Hospital pollen immunotherapy for seasonal and made pollen counts available to Bill was made an MBE in 2015, one allergic rhinitis in a landmark study. fellow allergists and the press. among many other honours. He In a similar trial, to the dismay of delighted in his honorary fellowship some of his senior colleagues, he Bill was involved in the formation of Queen’s College, Oxford, and clearly demonstrated the lack of of the British Allergy Society, the efficacy of bacterial vaccines in forerunner of the British Society for particularly enjoyed their specially asthma treatment. Bill’s research on Allergy and Clinical Immunology brewed Frankland Ale. The publication antihistamines demonstrated efficacy (BSACI), which now has almost 1,000 of his biography, From Hell Island to in allergic rhinitis, but not asthma, members. As the first secretary, he Hay Fever, won him a new audience and found that 20% of subjects gave enrolled 30 founder members and of admirers. a placebo response. helped to organise an initial meeting in 1948 at St Mary’s with Sir Henry His home life was very happy: in 1941 Bill was also the first to identify Dale and John Freeman as speakers. he had married Pauline Jackson, what is now called local allergic whose letters helped to sustain him rhinitis in subjects who are skin-prick He was later BSACI president, during his incarceration. On his return test negative, but who respond president of the European Academy from Singapore, Bill was asked if he positively to nasal allergen challenge. of Allergy and Clinical Immunology wanted to see a psychiatrist and In the great tradition of self- (EAACI), secretary general of the replied, ‘No. I want to see my wife’. experimentation, Bill used himself for Asthma Research Council and vice Pauline died in 2002. Bill leaves four an experiment on induction of allergy, president of the International children, ten grandchildren and six using Rhodnius prolixus, a biting Association for Aerobiology. great-grandchildren. insect that can induce anaphylaxis. BSACI has instituted the William Repeated self-inflicted bites led to Frankland award, which honours a Glenis Scadding

In tribute: Remembering RCP members and fellows who died from COVID-19 in 2020 13 Anthony (Tony) Gershlick FRCP 2 October 1951 – 20 November 2020

BSc(1973), MBBS(1976), MRCP(1980), FRCP(1993)

The death of Professor Tony Gershlick has left a big hole at Glenfield Hospital in Leicester, and the shock waves of his loss have been felt across national and international communities.

Tony grew up in Southend-on-Sea in an ordinary household and went on to forge an extraordinary career as a clinician, educator and researcher.

He overcame problems with dyslexia and secured a place at St Mary’s Hospital Medical School in 1970. Tony made the most of his opportunity, adding an subsequent developments in coronary intervention brought major technical intercalated BSc (pharmacology intervention. advances. After transfer to Glenfield and biochemistry) during his course, Hospital in 1993, Leicester’s clinical which no doubt primed his future in In 1988 Tony was headhunted and research programme flourished clinical science. After pre-registration, by Professor David De Bono to and achieved a strong national Tony undertook prestigious training help establish an academic team and international reputation. posts in London teaching hospitals, alongside the busy clinical cardiology Tony’s part in the transformation quickly gaining his MRCP. Cardiology and services was considerable. His presence became the career target, inspired in Leicester (then at Groby Road in clinics, wards, catheter suite, by Wallace Brigden, an elder Hospital). Tony became senior lecturer research laboratory, multidisciplinary statesman of the day, and others, and honorary consultant, one of just meetings and simply walking the during his senior house officer post four tertiary centre cardiologists for corridors made him highly engaged at the National Heart Hospital. a population of 3 million in the East and popular with all grades of staff. Midlands. Tony took on the immense His loyal secretary coordinated his Early clinical and research experience service challenge and maintained complex timetables and ensured that was at the London Hospital. His senior a full frontline clinical role until his clinical duties interrupted by academic registrar post at the London Chest death, including on-call primary commitments were replaced by ad Hospital introduced Tony to Raphael percutaneous coronary intervention hoc sessions and swapped on-call Balcon, his key career mentor, and (PPCI) for ST-elevation myocardial duties. Tony worked hard, usually Martin Rothman, who inspired him in infarction (STEMI) care until the start already at his desk before some might the then new discipline of coronary of this year. leave for work. He enjoyed the 8am angioplasty. Tony quickly embraced MDT meetings to strengthen decision- the skill set and was active in learning, His drive and collaboration with making, and was always prepared to teaching and developing virtually all UK and world leaders in coronary give and receive challenges.

In tribute: Remembering RCP members and fellows who died from COVID-19 in 2020 14 Tony’s research programme took off rapidly after arrival in Leicester. Within his first year, Tony was coordinating a multicentre clinical trial of post angioplasty anticoagulation. The academic output became increasingly prolific (over 250 publications) and addressed and influenced key contemporary clinical issues.

Tony was appointed to a personal chair at the University of Leicester in 2008, and has since had a major role in scores of local and multicentre studies. Tony also led the later 2015 CvLPRIT study that helped guide a decision to follow PPCI to the infarct vessel with treatment of disease found in non-infarct vessels. As recognition for his pivotal work, Tony was appointed to the European STEMI Professor Gershlick (left) receiving British Cardiovascular Intervention Society Guidelines Committee, a position he Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017. proudly held in 2012 and 2018.

He attracted over £3 million in and many now populate consultant well-known was his painting, good research grants, and this year was interventionist roles across the country enough to frame and hang. chief investigator for studies of early and beyond. He was a very successful and sharp- coronary intervention for high-risk ACS witted man: intelligent, ambitious, patients, and whether ECMO has a In 2017 after nearly 30 years of mischievous, loyal, hardworking, and place in cardiogenic shock (BHF Rapid development, research, training, he fashioned a great career. He was Non-STEMI study and EUROSHOCK setting standards and leadership, supported by his family and a wide respectively). Tony was honoured as the inaugural circle of friends. Tony was particularly recipient of the British Cardiovascular proud of his sons, David and Ben, both Tony embraced educating others, Intervention Society Lifetime now developing their own careers. including over ten years as East Achievement Award – an accolade Midlands training programme much deserved. Sadly, like many other healthcare director. Probably his favourite role professionals, Tony succumbed to was organising and hosting highly Tony also enjoyed an impressive array COVID-19 infection despite taking successful ‘Gershlick brand’ live of pastimes. Sports included rugby protective precautions, most likely a courses in Leicester – cases beamed (played when young and latterly an result of continued clinical practice to local or remote audiences, an avid Leicester Tigers season ticket into his late 60s. He leaves his wife international faculty, showcasing basic holder), cycling (Lycra-clad around Mary, their two boys and many close and new techniques, expert updates, Leicestershire) alternating with running personal and professional friends. lectures, panel discussions – they were in his local village, a couple of London a hot ticket! Invitations came to travel Marathons and recreational squash. He will be missed. and teach, memorably a 3-month He was a passionate Jazz saxophonist, sabbatical tour to South Africa in and could be seen performing J Douglas Skehan 2015. His NHS and research registrars with a group at his local pub, and gained an amazing opportunity to opportunistically in a New York bar develop their skills and reputation while relaxing at a US meeting! Less

In tribute: Remembering RCP members and fellows who died from COVID-19 in 2020 15 Kenneth Goldman FRCP 18 January 1928 – 14 April 2020

MBBChir(1957), MD(1963), FRCP(1977)

An expert in respiratory medicine, Kenneth Goldman continued his work on chest diseases in coal miners after his retirement.

Kenneth Peter Goldman was a father was a successful businessman, he worked part-time for the Ministry consultant physician (general and the managing director of a large of Work and Pensions, examining and chest diseases) at Dartford and retail fashion outlet. Ken attended assessing coal miners with medical Gravesham NHS Trust, Kent. St Paul’s School, and soon after the problems. war spent 2 years in National Service He was an expert in chest diseases of in the RAF, in communications, where In 1960, he married his wife, Lorna. coal miners, an interest that began he learned to type – a great benefit They held mutual interests in visual art, during his training, which he then for a potential journalist – and also literature, ballet, classical music and pursued throughout his career, well learned Morse code. He then went the opera. After retirement they had a after his retirement from the NHS. to Peterhouse College, Cambridge, holiday cottage in Southwold, Suffolk, His other expertise was in tuberculosis and St Mary’s Hospital University, where they enjoyed the opportunities and, having had an early experience graduating in 1957. His first registrar of the concert hall in Aldeburgh and in journalism during his student days post in general medicine was at Snape. Ken also enjoyed watching as editor of the St Mary’s Gazette, Paddington Green, before he moved rugby and cricket, and playing snooker. he enjoyed spending many years as into respiratory medicine. They had three children, Richard, editor of an important tuberculosis Helen and Robert, who has mild journal, Tubercle. Between 1960 and I first met him when I was a senior cognitive challenges. Robert is partly 1962 he was a registrar in thoracic house officer and he was the registrar independent, largely helped by his medicine at Sully Hospital in south at Sully Hospital. He was a most family and with help from Bromley Wales, which at the time was the helpful colleague, an outstanding Mencap. Ken supported the charity, Welsh regional centre for thoracic and clinician, and a wizard reader of chest regularly producing The Bromley . X-rays. He was a wonderful teacher, Mencap Bulletin. and conveyed to me much of his Miners from many of the Welsh coal knowledge of the medical literature. At 92, he was still intellectually active fields had occupational diseases, We shared the same interests of and physically fit, taking long walks and Ken began to develop his major music, theatre, cricket and journalism, and continuing some gardening. research interest in this area early in his and our friendship continued for nearly It was then that, tragically, Ken, career. At Sully Hospital, he completed 60 years. He next became senior his wife and their son contracted his MD thesis on lung cancer in coal registrar at the Brompton Hospital and COVID-19. Fortunately, his wife and miners, graduating MD Cambridge spent a year at the Royal Free. In 1969 son recovered at home, but Ken was in 1963. He wrote several articles in he was appointed consultant physician hospitalised and not allowed to have important journals about lung cancer, in general medicine and chest disease any visitors. Ken and Lorna’s 60th tuberculosis and pneumoconiosis. In at Dartford and Gravesham. His wedding anniversary occurred while 1970 he wrote and published a book, colleagues appreciated his help with Ken was in hospital, 6 days before he The Chest in Health and Disease. respiratory problems and he took his died from COVID-19 pneumonia. He turn in various committees, aided leaves Lorna, two sons, a daughter and Ken’s father and mother, Frank and by having a good sense of humour, two grandchildren. Lilly (née Cope) Goldman, lived in which often oiled the wheels in difficult London, where Ken was born. His situations. After retiring in 1992, Eric D Silove

In tribute: Remembering RCP members and fellows who died from COVID-19 in 2020 16 Martin Mansell FRCP 28 September 1948 – 24 April 2020

MRCS LRCP(1971), MBBS(1971), MRCP(1974), MD(1982), FRCP(1989), LLM(2017)

An esteeemed consultant nephrologist, who did much to develop and contribute to the field of medico-legal opinion in the UK.

Martin was born in 1948 in London, chronic renal failure, dialysis and Bloomsbury District Health Authority the youngest son of Rena and transplantation. He developed and the North East Thames Region. Joe Mansell, second generation a subspecialist interest in renal These included those focused on immigrants from Russia and stone disease, and he became a developing clinical strategy for renal Romania respectively. He obtained a noted authority on diagnosis and services, research, , infection scholarship to Haberdashers’ Aske’s management of oxalate stones and control and ethics. Boys’ School, leaving a year early oxalosis. He published and lectured to attend Guy’s Medical School, in this area, which led to a national Martin was highly regarded by his from which he graduated in 1971. and international referral practice for patients, as well as his colleagues, He trained in clinical nephrology this condition. and he developed a successful at St Thomas’s Hospital, where he private practice, including also completed his MD, and was contributing to the establishment subsequently lecturer in nephrology of the successful transplant unit at St Peter’s Hospitals and the at the Cromwell Hospital. He was Institute of Urology, London. He was very very supportive of his colleagues, supportive of his being particularly helpful in a In 1983 he was appointed to the complex clinical situation, and post of consultant nephrologist at colleagues, being always provided a thoughtful view the St Peter’s Hospitals, London and and excellent second opinion. He honorary senior lecturer in nephrology particularly helpful encouraged and supported his at the Institute of Urology and in a complex trainees, many of whom went Nephrology. With the transfer of on to consultant posts in the UK the St Peter’s Hospitals from Covent clinical situation. and internationally. Martin was Garden to University College London renowned for his quick wit, with a dry Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust sense of humour and a seemingly in 1992, he became consultant Martin was an enthusiastic teacher endless supply of jokes suitable for nephrologist at the Middlesex of colleagues, junior doctors 8-year-olds. Hospital, and was clinical director of and undergraduates, and his renal and urology services from 1990 lucid explanations of complex Although he fell into it largely by to 1994. In 2005, the Nephrology renal biochemistry provided for chance, Martin developed a second Department at the Middlesex effective teaching. He published highly successful career as a medico- Hospital merged with and moved widely throughout his career, legal expert, culminating in his 10- to the Royal Free Hospital, where he including research articles, reviews, year tenure as deputy editor on the worked until he retired from NHS presentations to learned societies and Medio-Legal Journal, appointment practice in 2010. book chapters. as president of the Medicolegal Society from 2012 to 2014, and an Martin was a general nephrologist As a consultant, Martin contributed LLM in Medical Law and Ethics from with broad expertise in the widely to numerous committees, the University of Kent in 2017. He management of acute and both in his hospitals and also for was awarded the Cardiff University

In tribute: Remembering RCP members and fellows who died from COVID-19 in 2020 17 Expert Witness Accreditation in After meeting on a shift in interest in the legal and moral issues 2005, with subsequent recognition Accident and Emergency at St in the ethics of organ donation. as a medical expert by the National Thomas’ Hospital, Martin married Policing Improvement Authority, Cathy in 1979. They have one Martin and Cathy enjoyed regular GMC Fitness to Practise panel, son, Nicholas, and six daughters: trips to Scotland, where they flew Association of Personal Injury Alexandra, Hannah, Victoria, Sophie, birds of prey, and Martin often Lawyers and the Action against Josephine and Hattie, as well as joined the Royal Society of Medicine Medical Accidents Charity. He also four grandchildren; Alexandra and (Urology Section) ski trips, where he provided advice for independent NHS Josephine have followed Martin was an enthusiastic contributor both review panels, courts and the Foreign into medicine. Martin was also to the scientific meeting and to the Office pro bono medical panel. devoted (although he might not have social life, often supported by some of admitted to it) to the English and his children. His developing expertise benefited Irish setters they have had over the Clinical Claims Review Group of the years. He had recently taken up cycling the UCLH Trust, which aimed to settle along the windswept seafront, and meritorious claims as expeditiously Following his retirement from the loved a good dinner with a drink or as possible. His move into medico- NHS in 2010, Martin and Cathy two beforehand, especially if he had legal work undoubtedly strengthened moved to Beltinge on the North family or friends to join him. He would governance and safe practice within Kent coast, where they had always no doubt have approved of the glass the nephrology departments at the spent their family holidays. Martin of Bollinger that his family raised to Middlesex and Royal Free Hospitals. continued to be very busy with him at his private funeral – held due At the time of his death, he had medico-legal work, but found time to to the circumstances created by the decided to turn his medical expertise indulge his passions as a polymath, pandemic. It is hoped a celebration of towards mediation, and had just studying for master’s degrees in the his life will follow next year. completed the mediation course history of art, military history and offered by the Centre for Effective philosophy. Martin had enrolled in Robin Woolfson Dispute Resolution. the University of Buckingham MA in Philosophy 2018/19, taking particular

In tribute: Remembering RCP members and fellows who died from COVID-19 in 2020 18 Victor Miller FRCP 20 September 1935 – 2 April 2020

MD(1961), MRCPS(1965), FRCP(Glas)(1979), FRCP(1994), FRCPH(1997)

A quiet man with a long reach, driven by a steely determination, Victor was a pioneer of paediatric in the UK.

Since his death, we have received and found himself at a secondary saying that: ‘it pays not to be slow in letters and emails from former modern school, where the cane was coming forward, and when you come colleagues and have come to see him liberally applied, and he was bullied to a fork in the road, take it.’ through their eyes. Some colleagues and beaten for being Jewish. told us that they followed his path, 1965 was a watershed year for him. inspired by his vision and leadership. Eventually, he moved to a grammar He passed his membership of the We were also incredibly moved to school, but even there the teaching Royal College of Physicians and hear from a former patient who chose was at best mediocre, and he was Surgeons of Glasgow, met Judy in a medical career on the basis of his told by his headmaster: ‘Miller – September, proposed in October experience of Victor’s care. some people just don’t have it.’ and was married to her the next February. On his way to his wedding, This served as a gauntlet for Victor. he posted his application form for He went to the Northern Polytechnic the post of registrar in paediatrics in London to resit his A-levels. He at Great Ormond Street Hospital. describes that year as the one in At interview, he was asked what His patients and which he learned to fly, with the help his special interest and specialty in their families of five devoted and inspirational the future might be. He answered lecturers. In 1955, he started reading gastroenterology, because his always came first, medicine at Glasgow University. previous department had an interest in this area. Another fork in the road which sometimes He was studious and dedicated, and taken, and one from which he never on 1 August, 1961, Victor started looked back. put him in his surgical house officer post at direct conflict the Western Infirmary, Glasgow. His daughter Sarah was born in The switchboard operator predicted 1967, and soon after Victor was with hospital that it was going to be the worst selected for a rotational scheme day of his life; according to Victor, it at the Children’s Hospital of management. was a baptism of fire. He moved to Philadelphia. Stobhill Hospital, Glasgow, to work as a medical house officer. It was On returning from the US, Victor The younger son of refugees, during this time that he became fully was appointed as senior registrar Victor was born in Hackney on 20 registered and decided to continue in paediatrics in Manchester, the September 1935. Life wasn’t always his career in , place he and Judy called home straightforward for him. Moving from taking up a medical house officer for over 34 years. The role rotated Islington to Hendon just before the position at the Royal Hospital for Sick between the Royal Hospital for start of the Second World War, he Children in Glasgow, and then Sick Children, Booth Hall Children’s described how many of his primary a senior house officer position at the Hospital and the St Mary’s Hospital school days were spent in air-raid Oak Bank Unit. Here he secured his Neonatal Unit. He also lectured at shelters. He failed his 11+ exam first registrar post – in his own words, the university in paediatrics and child

In tribute: Remembering RCP members and fellows who died from COVID-19 in 2020 19 health. Here he was encouraged to department was also one of the three where he explored how different follow his interest in gastroenterology major centres for the management of religions respond to human and start a specialised clinic. Crohn’s disease. suffering. Unfortunately, he had his own experience of this while His second daughter, Laura, was born Victor was immensely proud of his caring for Judy, who had progressive in 1969. Soon after, Victor was invited achievements, including his election supranuclear palsy. Although he was to apply for a position as consultant to fellowship of both the Royal College always a doctor at heart, he felt that paediatrician with an interest in of Physicians and Surgeons and the gastroenterology. At that point, RCP in London. However, he didn’t the emotional toll of illness was often there were no such posts in the NHS, claim the limelight. His patients and under-recognised. and only two university posts. Being their families always came first, which single-minded and determined, Victor sometimes put him in direct conflict Victor was a veritable renaissance ignored all other national paediatric with hospital management. In a letter man. He loved all things aesthetic, consultant positions being advertised. to The Times about waiting lists, both in terms of the arts and the he wrote that after failing to secure wilds. He was enjoying his life to the Although Victor started this extra theatre time for diagnostic and full with his new partner, Valerie, department from scratch – in time his therapeutic endoscopy, ‘the emotional and his daughters and their families, department – he and his colleagues strain of having to decide which child when he was struck by COVID-19. provided a service for the whole with undiagnosed intestinal bleeding He died at the Royal Free Hospital, of Lancashire, part of north Wales, would have to wait longer eventually Yorkshire and part of the Midlands. led to my premature retirement form Hampstead, and is profoundly missed His service, and one in Great Ormond the NHS.’ by Valerie, Sarah and Laura and their Street, were the first to provide families, his friends and colleagues. long-term intravenous support for In his retirement, he completed infants with nutritional failure. His an MA in comparative religion, Sarah and Laura Miller

In tribute: Remembering RCP members and fellows who died from COVID-19 in 2020 20 John Norris FRCP 17 October 1933 – 8 April 2020

DM(1957), FRCP(1982)

John W Norris was born difference in terms of clinical outcome. in Portsmouth and was Barney, Vladimir, David Spence and John were very influential in schooled in the UK during those game-changing early days of the Second World War. preventative stroke trials, aided by With the help of his family the Heart and Stroke Foundation physician, Dr Duncan, he of Ontario. The Sunnybrook Unit became internationally recognised deploying RCT to question the validity became a medical student and trained a whole generation of of preventative treatment, such as in Scotland at the medical young stroke neurologists, who now carotid endarterectomy. He was school in Aberdeen. lead important stroke units in all involved from Toronto in supporting continents of the world. the successive world-leading trials, He graduated in 1957, sharing the Canadian ASA Cooperative study, first place with Derek Ogston, who CAPRIE, EC/IC and NASCET – all led later went on to become dean of from London and Hamilton, with their medical school. John went on John was mentor to Toronto the powerhouse, contributing to postgraduate training in England, large numbers of patients, helping spent time in in Leeds many international make Canada famous for stroke with Maurice Parsonage and Hugh research. Garland and, after he failed to obtain rising stars, who a consultant position in neurology, It was John who inspired Canadian emigrated to Canada, initially now lead their stoke neurologists to achieve the first becoming a fellow at the Montreal respective national glimmerings of evidence to support Neurological Institute (MNI) in 1967. acute interventional treatment, stroke efforts. emerging from his experience in the At the MNI, he worked on Sunnybrook Acute Stroke Unit. experimental cerebral ischaemia with Hannah Pappius and, in 1970, To support the trials, and arguably became a consultant in neurology John was mentor to many his biggest triumph, was John’s at the Sunnybrook Medical Centre international rising stars now leading leadership in establishing the in Toronto. There he established their national stroke efforts. He will Canadian Stroke Consortium in his practice, succeeding Dr Henry be remembered for his early work the late 1980s. He organised Barnett who, at that point, moved to in asymptomatic carotid stenosis at many delightful meetings in south- London, Ontario to join Charlie Drake. a time before the North American west Ontario, involving Canadian Together, they established Clinical Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy colleagues coast to coast, but it was Neurological Sciences at Western, Trial (NASCET) got going. In 1987, the act of chartering the Canadian then the University of Western together with Nate Bornstein, Brian Stroke Consortium (CSC) which was Ontario (UWO). Chambers and others, he published John’s vision. It was this that put a very influential paper in theNew Canada on track to developing the John remained in Toronto and was England Journal that showed the risk capability of evaluating interventions soon joined by Vladimir Hachinski at of even quite tight asymptomatic – initially neuro-protectives – that Sunnybrook, and the two of them carotid stenosis was of the order sadly proved to be non-efficacious. founded the very first stroke unit in of 1% or less – challenging the But what it heralded was the Canada. In the 1980s, stroke unit dogma that it required the risk capacity for evaluating what was care was really the first and only of surgical intervention. He was to come: thrombolysis, imaging intervention in acute stroke to make a very influential in the early days of and endovascular thrombectomy

In tribute: Remembering RCP members and fellows who died from COVID-19 in 2020 21 and, when the opportunity arose, for intervening in acute stroke. John Norris, the CSC and Canada had huge impact in this field.

While HJM Barnett, aka Barney, was the grandfather of Canadian stroke research, John Norris, always with an eye to history, was a proud member of what he called ‘the big three’ which included himself, Vladimir Hachinski, and Antoine Hakim. Between them they led the efforts of Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, the Canadian Stroke Network, and the CSC. They had the foresight to not only participate in trials, but to train Dr Norris (left) with colleagues Diane Brodie and Vadim Beletsky up and mentor the next generation of stroke neurologists, as a direct result of John establishing the CSC. Beyond the The resulting network of clinician imaging workshop on dementia and trials, the CSC established important scientists, the tradition of international together agreed that Canadian stroke annual education and training events, mentorship and training and, above all, neurology was really the very best – which have educated and inspired the the collegiality that John personified, and we had both been very privileged current generation of Canadian stroke has resulted in Canadian stroke to have contributed our parts. neurologists. neurology not only leading the world in the early days of stroke prevention with John Norris became a victim of John and the CSC made important NASCET, the aspirin studies, the EC/IC COVID-19, and died on 2020’s observations around the risk of bypass, but more recently now in acute frontline, during a pandemic that has chiropractic manipulation as a cause intervention. put all of humanity at risk. In the Stroke of vertebral dissection, which put John journal obituary written by Vladimir and the CSC very much in the eye of Hachinski, Nate Bornstein, and Hugh a storm in terms of the evaluation of All of us will remember John with great evidence. Importantly, the CSC wrote affection. I did not agree with him Markus, their summary statement the very first guidelines about the when it came to UK politics, and not was that: ‘Stroke is a relatively recent use of tissue plasminogen activator even remotely about the leadership field. No history of vascular neurology (tPA), which prompted studies such style of his heroine, the Iron Lady, would be complete without the name as CASES, the use of ASPECTS and Mrs Thatcher. In my last encounter of John W Norris. We have lost him then later – growing out of these with John, we found ourselves at polar to coronavirus, but his contributions early contributions – important positions on Brexit, but together at the continue to have an impact.’ endovascular thrombectomy trials, Royal Society of Medicine in London such as the Calgary-led ESCAPE trial. last summer, we conferred at an Alastair Buchan

In tribute: Remembering RCP members and fellows who died from COVID-19 in 2020 22 Sivaramakrishna Iyer Padmavati FRCP 20 June 1917 – 29 August 2020 MBBS(1942), FRCP(1968), FRCPE, DSc (Hon)(1994), PhD (Hon)(2008)

A legend of cardiology in India, Dr Sivaramakrishna Iyer Padmavati blazed a trail until her very last peaceful breath.

The daughter of a barrister, she was born in the city of Magway in central Myanmar. Nurtured by a privileged upbringing and blessed with a maverick brain, the young Padmavati topped the province in the final school examination. She went on to graduate from Yangon Medical College with the MBBS magna cum laude and began the to John Hopkins in USA, where she principal of Maulana Azad Medical journey of an illustrious career in trained under the legendary Dr Helen College, then Irwin and GB Pant medicine and cardiology, qualifying Taussig. She moved on to train further Hospitals (GBPH), introducing the first her for the sobriquet of ‘Godmother under Dr Paul Dudley White at the DM courses in cardiology and other of cardiology’ in India. Harvard Medical School, and worked super-specialties, the first coronary at Massachusetts General Hospital care unit and the first coronary care Hers was the story of an indomitable and Brigham and Women’s Hospital van in India. spirit, cultivated during the gory days in Boston. of the Second World War. Japan’s She undertook many roles, including invasion of Myanmar in 1942 forced On her return to India, she was president of the Cardiological Society Padmavati, her mother and sisters to appointed lecturer at the Lady of India and National Academy of flee Myanmar for Coimbatore, in the Hardinge Medical College (LHMC) Medical Sciences; and she was a Indian state of Tamil Nadu, leaving in Delhi. Subsequently, she was member of the governing bodies their male relatives behind. The family elevated to professor and head of the Indian Council of Medical was only reunited once the war ended of the department of medicine. Research, All India Institute of in 1945. She established north India’s first Medical Sciences and Jayadeva cardiac catheterisation laboratory Institute of Cardiology, Bangalore, Thereafter, Padmavati left for at LHMC in 1954. Besides her before later serving as dean of the England and acquired fellowship of clinical responsibilities, she engaged Faculty of Medical Sciences at the the Royal College of Physicians of in research – her epidemiological University of Delhi. Edinburgh and the RCP in London. research work in rheumatic fever, After her graduation, she did a stint in pulmonary heart disease, ischaemic Dr Padmavati founded the All India Sweden under Dr Gustav Nylin and heart disease and still Heart Foundation in 1962 and set up Dr Gunnat Bjorck at the Sodersjukhuset stand ground and is oft-quoted. the National Heart Institute under hospital in Stockholm, before moving In 1967, she took over as director the aegis of the Foundation in 1981,

In tribute: Remembering RCP members and fellows who died from COVID-19 in 2020 23 Pacific Society of Cardiology (2005); you’, such was her level of fitness Sivananda Eminent Citizen Award and well self-esteem. An afficianada (2012); Lifetime Award CSI (2012); of silk sarees and solitaire diamonds, Lifetime Achievement Award, National and an envy of any fashionista, she Academy of Medical Sciences (2013) was passionate for a 30-minute dose and Exceptional Service Award of the of BBC News with a glass of port Golden Jubilee of the GBPH (2014) every evening. With never a regret and many others. in life, although just five foot tall, Dr Padmavati stood tall among all that Privileged to see her from close have walked the fields of cardiology quarters (Dr Yadava worked with her in this part of the world, yet was for many years until the end of her grounded and God-fearing, with a life), we never saw her be arrogant, tender and motherly heart. She was rude or socially inappropriate. Her a mother to all cardiologists, kind yet virtuous qualities included a quiet, firm, appreciating yet advising them, and developed it into a modern heart yet resounding and firm demeanour, however brief her meeting with them hospital for tertiary patient care, master of all she surveyed. would be. research and population outreach. Multifaceted, she was a sports freak, lapping 20–30 lengths of a swimming Just as you march on, Padmavati Awards and accolades chased her, pool well into her 90s. In fact, I recall Madam, we shall celebrate your life, culminating in the award of Padma an occasion in her mid-90s as she taking solace that some of us have Bhushan in 1967 and Padma climbed up to a podium to receive a had more than our fair share of your Vibhushan in 1992 by the government ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’. love and affection. of India. Other prominent awards were I offered to hold her hand to assist Harvard Medical International Award while she climbed the stairs. She O P Yadava and Ashok Seth (2003); Antonio Samia Oration of Asia smiled, but sternly said ‘no, thank

In tribute: Remembering RCP members and fellows who died from COVID-19 in 2020 24 Tariq ShafiFRCP 9 August 1958 – 6 May 2020

FRCP(2007)

Described as a ‘true gentleman’, Dr Shafi was much-loved by both his patients and colleagues.

Dr Tariq Shafi, a well-respected He will be remembered for his kind- haematologist, passed away at the hearted nature, his dedication to age of 61 in the blessed month of his profession and his impeccable Ramadan, after a hard-fought battle character. A ‘true gentleman’, with COVID-19. respected by his fellow colleagues and much loved by his patients. Born in Pakistan, he graduated from Nurses who worked alongside him the renowned King Edward Medical still remember the way he took the University in Lahore, and first moved time and effort to shake everyone’s to the UK in 1988 as a registrar. hands on his first day, attending the funerals of his patients and He subsequently travelled to the continuing to work, even while unwell Riyadh Military Hospital, Saudi with COVID-19. Arabia, to become the lead bone marrow transplant consultant. He was a devoted husband and a He stayed there until 2007, when proud father to three children, all of he returned to the UK to become whom have followed closely in his the eventual lead consultant in haematology at Darent Valley footsteps by working for the NHS. He Hospital for cancer services. is survived by his wife Varda, children Taimur, Umar and Meeral, as well Though domiciled in the UK, he his first grandchild. On 14 August maintained strong links with Pakistan contributed to the establishment of 2020, Pakistan’s Independence and was a frequent speaker at the the British Association of Pakistani Day, he was posthumously awarded Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Pathologists and was a prominent the Sitara-e-Quaid-e-Azam civilian Hospital and Research Centre. There member. He was committed to honour for his services to Pakistan. he helped developed excellence and was a strong advocate services through his work at the Royal for in his role as an Kawai Yip College of Pathology. In addition, he FRCPath examiner.

In tribute: Remembering RCP members and fellows who died from COVID-19 in 2020 25 Peter Tun FRCP 27 January 1958 – 13 April 2020

MBBS(1981), MRCP(1997), FRCP (posth)(2020)

Dr Peter Khin Tun was a neurologist, team leader, devout Buddhist and a loving family man. He was born on 27 January 1968 in Yangon, Myanmar, and passed away at the age of 62 at Royal Berkshire Hospital on Easter Monday, 13 April 2020. healthcare in rural Myanmar. He was His career spanned many roles and A role model to doctors everywhere especially passionate about providing included providing medical education, and a pillar of the community, he education as a means to improve the teaching and clinical supervision started his professional journey standard of living in the communities to physician associates/medical by winning a scholarship to study he tended to. students, foundation year and medicine at Yangon University. As a core medical and specialist trainee young man, he enjoyed athletics and It was during this period he met his doctors. He served as the associate represented his university in the shot future wife, Daw Win Mar, a history postgraduate dean for SAS doctors put and discus tournaments. teacher from the small village of in Oxford Deanery (Health Education Mezaligon, located along Myanmar’s Thames Valley) from 2012–2016. Graduating in 1981, he went straight Ayeyrwady Delta region. They went on He was a speaker for Quality to work as a research medical officer to have two children, Minko (Michael Improvement of Health Care at the in a project sponsored by the World Tun) and Ye Aung (William Tun). Royal College of Psychiatry in 2017. Health Organization that focused on improving maternal and child In 1994, the family moved to the Peter was an incredibly caring, UK to begin a new life, living first in humorous and kind individual who Pontefract, West Yorkshire, before loved his work, his colleagues and the moving to London, where Peter was community he served. His inner family awarded membership of the RCP. home was filled with love and joy. He His family finally settled in Reading, loved listening to music, especially the and for the next 20 years Peter Beatles, sharing his favourite recipes, would go on to become an expert learning about different cultures, in neurological rehabilitation, and and his favourite hobby, tending was appointed as an associate to his garden. He was also a very specialist in neuro-rehabilitation at spiritual and honoured his Buddhist Royal Berkshire Hospital. His special upbringing by upholding traditions of interests included stroke, brain injury prayer and meditation. and spinal injury, and diseases such as multiple sclerosis, alcoholic brain He leaves behind his wife and two disease and adult cerebral palsy. He sons. was an advocate of rehabilitation through nutrition, horticulture, leisure Will Tun and mindfulness therapy.

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