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

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

On one hand, this is a publication that the colleagues they worked with. They ideally should never have needed to are role models for us all. be produced. On the other, it is good we have the opportunity to celebrate As the progression of the vaccine the lives of the who died programme offers us hope for the during the pandemic. future, unfortunately 2021 has already seen more of our membership lose their When we first published this collection of lives to COVID-19, and we will of course obituaries in December 2020, I worried continue to update this memorial, as well that more tributes would unfortunately as reflecting on the best way to honour still need be written. I hope that this their memories in the months to come. updated edition, republished in June 2021, includes all of our members We will also be creating a permanent and fellows who have sadly died from memorial to all of the members and COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021. If you are aware of anyone we may have missed, fellows that have died from COVID-19, please let us know. which will be in the grounds of our Regent’s Park home. Other memorials will Although such a collection of obituaries be created around the world for doctors represents a huge loss to our and other emergency care workers, but family, reading through them is ours will be dedicated to those who are remarkably inspiring as well. So much has members of the RCP family. We will been achieved by each and every one of unveil this when, hopefully, the worst our colleagues celebrated here that our of the pandemic is over, and we will memories of them and the legacies they announce further news when we can. leave behind are all positive. I am proud that they were members and fellows of For the moment though, let’s celebrate Professor the RCP and that they all changed the the lives of our colleagues in the pages RCP president lives of the patients they cared for and hereafter. May they rest in peace.

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

Matteo Adinolfi 3 Mohankumar Adiseshiah 5 Medhat Atalla 7 Nigel Baber 8 Tapan Banerjee 10 William (Bill) Cattell 11 Bruno Cheong 13 Judith Darmady 14 Michael Udoh-aka Eshiett 16 Alfred William (Bill) Frankland 18 Anthony (Tony) Gershlick 20 Kenneth Goldman 22 John Griffin 23 Martin Mansell 24 Victor Miller 26 John Norris 28 Sivaramakrishna Iyer Padmavati 30 Jacob Plange-Rhule 32 Alfa Sa’adu 34 Anton Sebastianpillai 36 Tariq Shafi 38 David Slattery 39 David ‘Brailsford’ Tong 41 Peter Tun 43

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 , 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 , 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 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 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 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 4 Mohankumar Adiseshiah FRCP 20 May 1941 – 24 April 2020

MBBS(1965), FRCS(1969), MA(1977), MS(1978), FRCP(1998)

Mohankumar Adiseshiah (known by all as Mo) was born in Madras, (now Chennai) India in 1941. His father, Malcolm Adiseshiah, was an internationally renowned UNESCO educationalist. His mother Helen (nee Paranjoti) was the daughter of a prominent clergyman.

Mo attended La Martiniere College in Lucknow prior to moving to the UK, where he attended Wandsworth School in south London. From there, he was successful in obtaining an entrance state scholarship to Kings and in Cambridge. He later spent Huntingdon Hospital to a full district and Westminster Medical School. time as a research fellow in general hospital with the help of the then local MP, Sir John Major. Mo graduated from Westminster and as a lecturer in Hong Kong. He Medical School in 1965 and was was particularly influenced in his Mo returned to the Middlesex awarded the Arthur Evans memorial training by Harold Ellis, Charles Drew, Hospital and UCH in 1982, serving prize in . He subsequently David Bailey and G B Ong in Hong with enviable distinction in many became a fellow of both the Royal Kong, and Ronald Baird in Toronto. capacities in the hospital and College of Surgeons in 1969 and the He was awarded an MA (Camb) in university, until his retirement. RCP. 1977 and MS (London) in 1978. As clinical director for surgery, he On return to the UK he was redefined as an Following house officer posts at the appointed as a consultant surgeon emerging of general in Huntingdon and a lecturer in Westminster and St George’s he surgery and oversaw the transition Cambridge. Typical of Mo, he threw commenced his surgical training at of the service to the current excellent University College Hospital London himself energetically into upgrading UCLH main campus.

He maintained a commitment to surgical research throughout Mo loved to travel. A visionary surgeon his career and published widely. from the start, he understood that we However, his most enduring legacy is undoubtedly his pioneering role in can only see as far as our horizons. the early development of minimally invasive endoluminal stent graft

In tribute: Remembering RCP members and fellows who died from COVID-19 5 repair, as an alternative to open horizons. His professional travels was also passionately concerned surgery. He was a very early convert, took him to every continent. As about the plight of the Palestinians cobbling together homemade early a regular invited faculty member in Gaza. prototypes, and patenting the UCL at international meetings, he Surviving a major in November technique in 1995. He stuck with this contributed tirelessly. He served 2018, the cruellest blow to a surgeon new technique through its, at times on the Council of the Vascular who had saved countless others from underwhelming ‘endo-gloominal’ Society and published over 100 the same fate, he regained some infancy while training, publishing papers in peer-reviewed journals, quality of his life only to be taken by and participating in defining trials for including book chapters and national COVID-19. what is now the global default aortic newspaper articles. He chaired the operative approach. To Mo and his medical committee and was a trustee small band of pioneering colleagues, of St Luke’s Hospital for the clergy. Mo was a wise, compassionate and the vascular community owe a wealth generous man and is survived by of gratitude. Mo adored cricket, rugby union his wife Maria, six children and two (Saracens) and the theatre, being granddaughters. Mo loved to travel. A visionary responsible for a number of raucous surgeon from the start, he understood productions while at medical school. Irving Taylor that we can only see as far as our He played squash and the violin. He

In tribute: Remembering RCP members and fellows who died from COVID-19 6 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 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 Surgery 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 7 Nigel Baber FRCP 6 March 1945 – 18 January 2021

BSc(1966), MBChB(1969), MRCP(1972), FRCP(1990), FFPM(1992), FRCPE(1997), DipClinPharm(Hon)(1998)

A courteous doctor and father, who applied his phenomenal memory in the fields of clinical pharmacology and ’ regulation.

My Dad, Dr Nigel Scott Baber The lady to whom I refer is, of my Ordinary Level examinations I (hereafter ‘Nigel’), was a very special course, my mum. couldn’t remember a single word man, with whom I have shared many of my set texts – except that one of pleasant times. My mum and I are Nigel had a varied career, becoming Pliny’s letters contained the Latin missing him greatly. His absence, too, first a member of the Royal College for the phrase ‘What is the point of will be felt by others – both within our of Physicians (of London) and, later, all this?’ – this showed how much family and beyond. a fellow of this institution, a fellow stronger my father’s memory was of the Royal College of Physicians of than mine. In his period as a manager Born in Oxford, Nigel spent most his Edinburgh, a fellow of the Faculty of at the Medicines Control Agency – formative years in Banbury – with the Pharmaceutical Medicine, a fellow of later the Medicines and Healthcare rest of these in Westcliff-on-Sea, while the British Pharmacological Society, products Regulatory Agency, Nigel his father – who worked for Barclays and the recipient of a diploma in was finickity for detail – and would bank – travelled to the bank’s clinical pharmacology (honoris causa) not give way to pressure from office in nearby Rochford. While in from the Society of Apothecaries of companies, politicians or regulators Banbury, Nigel attended Overthorpe London. He was initially a hospital to licence, or renew the licence of, Preparatory School, progressing to doctor, then a GP, then a clinical a pharmaceutical product that he Banbury Grammar School and thence pharmacologist – working for three of considered to be risky. If he had still to the University of Birmingham the world’s leading pharmaceutical been working there during this period – where he qualified as a medical companies over a period spanning of the COVID-19 pandemic, only the doctor. Nigel was a keen cricketer, more than 20 years. Then Nigel put safest vaccines would have passed his and was an opening batsman for his pharmacological expertise at the assessment. the Grammar School – practising for service of the government, working many hours with his father in the as a medical regulator for several Nigel wrote many published papers long, narrow garden of his home. He years. Before his full retirement, Nigel during his career, and was on the was also hard-working, sensitive and was employed by the University Editorial Board, then the Executive ambitious, with his focus on training of Hertfordshire as an expert in its Editorial Board, and then the Editorial in medicine being to an extent due biosciences division. Management Board for the British to his admiration for local general Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. practitioner Dr Wharton. Nigel’s exceptional memory was a He held the post of reviews editor strong asset in the management on the Editorial Management Board, In the latter days of his time at of medicinal products and in the and enjoyed this work greatly. Banbury Grammar School, one of determination of safety requirements He also contributed chapters to a Nigel’s friends was Brian Voakes in the licencing of medicines. He leading pharmacology textbook, – whose family had moved to outperformed me while we went thus forerunning me as a writer of Adderbury from Ireland. Nigel fell through my set texts for Ordinary- monographs. in love with one of Brian’s sisters, level Latin, by quoting fluently the later proposing to her successfully translation of passages from his Nigel had a lifelong interest in and marrying her in St John the Ordinary Level Latin examination woodwork. Over many years, he Evangelist Catholic Church, Banbury. 24 years earlier. As 24 years after constructed wardrobes, cupboards,

In tribute: Remembering RCP members and fellows who died from COVID-19 8 me at home, which was taken many years ago by Nigel in Arkengarthdale, with a book entitled ‘Yorkshire Dales’ In his retirement years, Nigel took up in my hand. This is some of the most the specialist hobby of wood carving. majestic scenery in the whole UK, which we shared together. It, and our Several of his impressive wood carvings time together there, is forever etched are located in our home. in my mind. Nigel managed the demands of cabinets, radiator covers, an oak District, the Yorkshire Dales, the career, family and hobbies as well as table, a cross-bow, and legs for a Yorkshire Moors, the Pentland Hills, he could – although he was never snooker table – among other items. the Cheviot Hills, the Brecon Beacons a pram-pusher or a school-runner. He didn’t even like catching the bus, In his leisure time, he was often and the Black Mountains. ‘Shall we go although he did take the train to and found in his work-shed making a walking, son?’ was always the call, to from central London in his time as a mortise-and-tenon joint or planing which I often had a mixed response government regulator. a piece of wood. In his retirement – being of a more settled disposition years, Nigel took up the specialist than he. One of the memories that Nigel was well-travelled, both in hobby of wood carving. Several of his I would like to share with you is of a association with his professional impressive wood carvings are located 17-mile walk that we did in July in the work during his time as a clinical in our home – one in my study which Pentland Hills, where purple-flowering pharmacologist and also with the is kindly labelled ‘Teacher, Scholar, heather abounded, the sun shone, family. With his work, he went to Musician’ and dedicated to me in the and we did not see another person places to which I have not been form of a large ‘G’. all day. This was pure bliss. There and am unlikely to go – including, was no scrambling or climbing – just for instance, Egypt, Iran and Saudi For a few years during my youth, strenuous walking for much of the Arabia. But he was always a lover of Nigel sang tenor in the Wilmslow day in the beautiful, largely-unknown central and southern Europe – and Opera Group. Later, he sang bass in scenery. Another is the rush along the especially of Italy. He longed to take the Stevenage Choral and Hertford River Ure to the bridge at Wensley – a retirement property in Tuscany Choral Societies. For most of the latter which is flat, so much speed can be or Umbria, where he enjoyed the time, he and I would travel together gained. We did this at least twice, scenery and the way of life. – as choral singing is an interest that chatting of this and that. A third is the we shared. walk over the ridge from Swaledale I remember Nigel as a friend and into Arkengarthdale – where companion as well as father, especially Nigel and I also shared an interest magnificent views open up over the in my adult years. In the time ahead, in rambling. He and I have together northern Pennines, and the traffic on he will be very much missed. been up hill and down dale on the the A66 can be seen snaking its way Pennine Way, the fells of the Lake across the vista. There is a picture of Graeme Baber

In tribute: Remembering RCP members and fellows who died from COVID-19 9 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 oungy 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 , 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 10 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 11 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 in NHS administration at both district and regional levels. He was 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 12 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. 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 13 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 14 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 15 Michael Udoh-aka Eshiett FRCP 27 October 1954 – 24 November 2020

BMBCh, FRCPI, FRSTMH, MSc, LLB, FRCP(2001)

Dr Eshiett wrote his I worked for a year and a half at the own eulogy, included in Qua Iboe Mission Hospital, Etinan, the order of service for from where I left to undertake my his funeral, which took postgraduate in place in December. This the UK. is reproduced here with the kind permission of his In the UK, I trained in general internal family. medicine, , rehabilitation medicine, and My name is Michael Udoh-aka hygiene at some of the best hospitals Eshiett. I am from Ukana Ikot Ideh in and medical institutions in the world, Essien Udim local government area, including the postgraduate Medical School, Edinburgh; the institute of in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Neurology, London; the School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene and I was born to Chief Udo-aka Eshiett Guy’s and St George’s Hospital, and Madam Grace Odo-aka Eshiett London. My main area of practice is on Wednesday 27 October 1954. in the subspecialty of neurological I had my primary school education rehabilitation. This is because, at Central Annang County Council apart from being a fascinating and interviewed and offered a post as a School in Ukana Ikot Ideh. If I am fast-growing subspecialty, it is a consultant physician/neurologist at not mistaken, it was one of the first ‘hands-on’, interdisciplinary and the University of Calabar Teaching colonial primary schools in the then multi-agency specialty, with the Hospital, I was shocked to see the Eastern Nigeria, and boasted famous widest scope for research, covering all provost who interviewed me and pupils, including the late chiefs types of brain injuries and diseases offered me the job visit me at home Ibanga Udo Akpabio and Akpan such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, in Ikot Ekpene two days later, to seek Ekukinam Bassey. Parkinson’s disease, epilepsies, as well my advice on how he could return to as traumatic brain injuries. the UK before going back to Nigeria. I completed my secondary school It dawned on me that things might education at Holy Family College, My aim was to return to Nigeria not be indeed as I was made to Oku Abak, after a year’s interruption immediately after my specialisation understand. On careful enquiry, I by the Nigerian Civil War. From and extensive training, in order to discovered that facilities for training secondary school, I took and help train our doctors and those medical students and doctors were passed an entrance examination in healthcare-related professions, not only in short supply, but the to read pre-med/medicine at the as well as delivering high-quality, existing ones were out-modelled University of Nigeria, Nsukka. After evidence-based medical services to and unfit for purpose. In my naivety my house job at St Luke’s Hospital, our people. I noted the large number and enthusiasm to go back and Anua, Uyo, I did my National Youth of Nigerians who travelled to the UK help, these things were never in my Service Corps (NYSC) [a non- and other European countries to be contemplation at the time. I am military national service programme treated by Nigerians working here in happy to say that my UK mentors completed by Nigerian university Europe, at an enormous expense to and trainers were incredibly pleased graduates] at St Camillus’ Hospital, our third-world economy. to see me return to the UK to Uromi and the General Hospital, practise what I spent years training Ugbuaja, both in Ishan in the then However, things do not always work for. The rest is now history. Bendel State of Nigeria. After NYSC, out the way we want. After being

In tribute: Remembering RCP members and fellows who died from COVID-19 16 I have been a consultant physician Assembly of the World Mission. Eshiett, Levi Turner, Evander Eshiett, and neurologist in rehabilitation It was my brain child to form the Evie-Rose Eshiett – as well as a host medicine in the north-west of Nigerian Medical Forum with some of family in Nigeria and around the England for over 22 years now, during friends from the former south-eastern world. which time I have led, directed and State of Nigeria in the late 1980s/ chaired various clinical developments early 1990s here in the UK, with the The saint returns home in three hospitals I now cover. In aim of improving medical education by Teresa Eshiett addition, I am involved in training in Nigeria. With the generosity Mike, my husband, my best friend undergraduate and postgraduate of British medical institutions, we and my prayer partner. Please forgive medical students and medical received medical books, journals, me, for I am so short of words at doctors undertaking their specialty equipment etc, which we shipped a time like this. You were such a subspecialty training. I am also a to Nigeria to be distributed to the wonderful man; a good husband, medical undergraduate examiner for medical schools during the Abacha father and grandfather. I am not sure the University of Manchester, and regime, when those items were I can really express just how much an external postgraduate medical very much in short supply. We even I will miss you, my brother and my membership examiner for the Royal secured the franchise to publish the hero. I used to feel like a queen when College of Physicians of Ireland. Nigerian, and later West African you were by my side. Your ability to edition of the world renowned British make everyone feel comfortable, I am a fellow of the Royal College Medical Journal in Nigeria. I was also secure and loved were your greatest of Physicians of London, Republic involved in running medical training strengths. of Ireland and the Royal Society workshops for doctors in Benue State, of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Nigeria, under the sponsorship of the It has been nearly 43 years since we I belong to many professional British government in 2001. So, in a got married, and I look back over organisations including the small measure, we played our part in those years with so much happiness, Association of British Neurologists trying to improve medical education but it still feels like yesterday. and British Society of Rehabilitation in Nigeria from our base in the UK. Medicine. I am a member of the I was broken the day I lost my rock of Specialty Training Subcommittee of After making my marks on the support, but God will put the pieces the RCP, the Society for Research in sand of time, I decided to take my back in place. I go to bed and night Rehabilitation, the UK Research Ethics retirement on 30 March 2018. I and say ‘Let us pray’, only to discover Committee, among others. I was met my wife and partner, Teresa that you are not with me. I wake up made an ambassador of peace by Michael Eshiett (née Teresa Daniel in the morning and stretch my hand Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Enang), now a social worker, while out for us to pray, but all I hold is an Foundation Trust in 2017, the trust I we both studied at the University of empty bed. worked for and retired from. Nigeria. We got married soon after graduating, on 13 May 1978. I am My steadfast rock that helped me Outside medicine, I am a law graduate survived by my wife, my daughter Mrs through thick and thin. You supported and have completed by part-time bar Otobong M Turner, my sons Michael and loved us all, and were always vocational training. I am a student Eshiett Jr and Eminimo M Eshiett there to help us navigate through member of the Inner Temple Inn of and 11 beautiful grandchildren: Sean life’s challenges. Court, a member of the Chartered Rodden, Ayesha Turner, Tamia Turner, Management Institute and an Tia Eshiett, Louie Turner, Alesha ordained minister of the Pentecostal Ashiett, Theo Eshiett, Savannah

In tribute: Remembering RCP members and fellows who died from COVID-19 17 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 18 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 19 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 20 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 and 2015. His NHS and research registrars with a group at his local pub, and Thompson Robinson 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 21 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 22 John GriffinFRCP 21 May 1938 – 1 April 2020

BSc, PhD, MBBS, FFPM(1989), FRCP(1990), MRCS, FRCPath(1996)

A pioneer in his field, considered by many to be the ‘father of pharmaceutical medicine’.

On 2 April 2020, during the first wave appointed senior principal medical In the Faculty of Pharmaceutical of the COVID-19 pandemic, we officer and professional head of the Medicine, John served on the sadly lost John, who had heralded Medicines Division, the forerunner Board of Trustees, was chair of the pharmaceuticals into a new world of the Medicines and Healthcare board of examiners, and served of medicine, where their use was products Regulatory Agency on the Specialist Medical Training regulated and based on evidence of (MHRA). He was a member of the in Pharmaceutical Medicine efficacy and safety. During his career European Commission Committee programme, which led to the in medicine, he contributed to the on Proprietary Medicinal Products pharmaceutical medicine specialty education of doctors undertaking the (CPMP) and later the chaired their being recognised, and that allowed development of medicine by driving working party on safety requirements. members to join the GMC register of the establishment of the Faculty This involved him in emergence of specialists. of Pharmaceutical Medicine (FPM) evidence of benefit and safety being at the RCP, as well as in his writing, made available. During this period, He authored over 250 papers, but is being the editor of the first textbook John served on the Joint Formulary recognised for the firstTextbook of of Pharmaceutical medicine. Beyond Committee of the British National pharmaceutical medicine that he education, he worked both within Formulary (BNF), during which time jointly edited with Professor D’Arcy the pharmaceutical industry and in the current format was adopted. and the book Regulation of medical the Department of Health as the products, which he co-authored with senior medical officer of what would In 1984, John return to the Professor John O’Grady. become the Medicine Control Agency pharmaceutical industry as director (MCA). of the Association of the British John Griffin could be considered the Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) and father of pharmaceutical medicine, John qualified in medicine at the became an executive board member having brought clinical medical Royal London Hospital, where of the European Federation of practice into the development of he began his practice. He was a Pharmaceutical Industries Associations medicine,s and contributed to the lecturer in physiology at King’s (EFPIA). From 1988 to 1994 he significant improvement of the College London. He joined the chaired the ICH Safety Expert Working safe use of medicines. Above all, he pharmaceutical industry and was Group. These roles brought him the pioneered the communication of the head of clinical research at Riker centre of debates about the sharing of medicines and helped to develop Laboratories, the company that information on medicines that led to the current format for the BNF and later became 3Ms, from 1967 to safer prescribing. This in turn gave rise facilitated the publication of the 1971. Then he moved to the MCA as to the publication of the summary of SmPC on all market-authorised senior medical officer, subsequently the medicinal product characteristics medicinal products. He will be truly becoming the medical assessor to the (SmPC) that contains all the efficacy missed. Committee on Safety of Medicines. and safety data on market authorised This in turn led him in 1977 to be medicines. Tim Higenbottam

In tribute: Remembering RCP members and fellows who died from COVID-19 23 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 24 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 25 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 26 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 27 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 neurology 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 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 28 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 . 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 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 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 29 Sivaramakrishna Iyer Padmavati FRCP 20 June 1917 – 29 August 2020 MBBS(1942), FRCPE(1958), FRCP(1968), 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 30 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 31 Jacob Plange-Rhule FRCP 27 July 1957 – 10 April 2020

BSc(1981), MB ChB(1984), PhD(1991), MRCP(2001), FWACP(2007), FRCP(2007), FGCP(2011)

Professor Jacob Plange- On his return to Ghana he taught Rhule, physician and physiology as lecturer in the Department of Physiology at KNUST physiologist, died in from 1992, in due course becoming Accra, Ghana as a result professor and serving as head of of COVID-19 infection. At the Department of Physiology for the time of his death, he over a decade. He also completed his training in , and was rector of the Ghana was appointed consultant physician College of Physicians and at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital Surgeons. (KATH) Kumasi, where he became head of nephrology services. He was a successful investigator in physiology and community In 1994 he developed a research , a committed link with Dr John Eastwood, a renal educator, and an academic physician at St. George’s Hospital, leader. He also played a major London. His early funding included a role in establishing the specialty of grant in 1995 from the Association nephrology in Ghana. of Physicians of Great Britain and He also collaborated with Dr Amy Ireland, which facilitated a pilot Luke, Loyola University Chicago, and Jacob Plange-Rhule was born study on the prevalence of high was the Ghana lead investigator for in Winneba, a coastal town, in blood pressure in the city of Kumasi. a US National Institutes of Health 1957 shortly after Ghana gained To support this endeavour, Jacob (NIH) funded study of energy independence. He moved to the started at KATH the first blood determinants in obesity, diabetes capital for his secondary education pressure clinic in Kumasi. He became and hypertension. Jacob’s extensive studying at the Accra Academy. an honorary senior lecturer at St experience of working with village He entered the School of Medical George’s University of London, and chiefs, inhabitants and health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University in 2000 with Wellcome Trust funding workers enabled him to establish of Science and Technology (KNUST) established village-based field work teams to conduct fieldwork in the in Kumasi, completing a BSc in to study the prevalence of high Ashanti region that continues to human biology in 1981, and then blood pressure, and the influence this day. Jacob also worked on other studying medicine, graduating in of salt intake, in 12 villages in the NIH-sponsored projects, including a 1984. His potential was recognised Ashanti region. training programme in cardiovascular early, and he won an award as a final disease epidemiology for physicians year medical student to spend his He was an inspiring leader of the and scientists, and a genetic vacation at the MRC Unit in Gambia. work, building a loyal team of epidemiology study on junior doctors and nurses, who he across sub-Saharan Africa. In 1987, after junior clinical posts supervised and deployed with great in Kumasi, he was awarded a 4-year skill. Many of these junior doctors The above two overseas British Council scholarship to study continued clinical research related collaborative studies led to the in the Department of Physiology, to renal medicine and high blood majority of Jacob’s publications University of Manchester. He pressure, and indeed volunteered to initially but more recently Jacob’s completed his PhD on the natriuretic help again in 2014 when the same research became more Ghana-led. effects of arginine vasopressin in population was revisited for a follow- Since 2017 he was involved with the 1991. up study. H3Africa Kidney Disease Research

In tribute: Remembering RCP members and fellows who died from COVID-19 32 His energy was formidable, managing to continue as clinician, researcher, He was an inspiring leader ... building and teacher while in his leadership roles. Badminton was his favoured a loyal team of junior doctors and recreation. He played frequently from nurses, who he supervised and deployed his medical student days throughout his career, until he ruptured both with great skill. his Achilles tendons in his early forties and started playing golf. Many collaborators and visitors from Network and had a special interest in of Physicians and Surgeons. He also overseas will remember Jacob’s task-shifting in the management of played a major part in developing a generous habit of welcoming them high blood pressure, both of which national renal care programme. by being in Arrivals in the airport to led to high-quality publications. Jacob played an increasingly meet them. In 2001, when he was president important part in the growth and of the Ghana Medical Association, success of medicine and nephrology His death, when still at the height Jacob hosted the first visit of the in Ghana as vice rector (2011–2015) of his powers, is a special sadness. International Society of Nephrology and then (from2015 until his death) He achieved so much for Ghanaian to West Africa (to Ghana and as rector of the Ghana College of medicine and nephrology, yet there Nigeria). During the visit there was Physicians and Surgeons. could have been so much more. a nephrology CME meeting, and this element of training has been He was a valued friend – easy going, In 1987 Jacob married Gyikua, a delivered annually ever since. In loyal, and dependable. These gifts paediatrician. He is survived by her 2010, he was a foundation member combined with his natural flair for and their three daughters, Kwegyiwa, and vice president of the Ghana leadership made him a highly effective Kidney Association, and president researcher, teacher and administrator. Ama and Araba. from 2014. He played an important He invoked great loyalty in those he role in establishing a nephrology trained, and part of his legacy is that John Eastwood, Jo Adu, training programme in Ghana in many of the young doctors who joined Emmanuel Addo-Yobo, Amy 2012, leading to a fellowship in his community research projects are Luke and John Feehally nephrology at the Ghana College now nephrologists in Ghana.

In tribute: Remembering RCP members and fellows who died from COVID-19 33 Alfa Sa’adu FRCP 31 August 1952 – 31 March 2020

BSc(1973), MBBS(1976), MRCP(1979), DTM&H(1984), MSc(1985), PhD(1989), FRCP(1999)

Dr Alfa Sa’adu had an illustrious 40-year career in the NHS and held a number of senior leadership positions.

Alfa was an experienced medical General Hospital in 1994, where he In 2015, Alfa was appointed leader and consultant physician, went on to become divisional clinical associate medical director/care of dedicated to improving the health director for acute medical care for the elderly consultant physician at and wellbeing of older people, both the West Hertfordshire Hospitals the Princess Alexandra Hospital in in the hospital setting and in the NHS Trust. Subsequently he became Harlow, before retiring in 2017. Alfa community. He was enthusiastic then returned to work part time, about the multidisciplinary at the Queen Victoria Memorial approach to healthcare and was Hospital in Welwyn, until sadly, a firm believer that the solution he lost his life unexpectedly to to the challenges faced lay in Alfa was very COVID-19 on 31 March 2020. genuine clinical engagement. A very charismatic. One passionate clinical teacher, he was Born in Nigeria, Alfa stayed close also an RCP examiner in the UK and of his colleagues to his roots and contributed widely internationally for many years. As a to medicine in Nigeria, where he medical leader, Alfa had extensive once said: ‘when worked from 1979 to 1984. During knowledge and vast experience in you meet him, this time, as well as working as a the design and delivery of effective consultant physician, he was deputy healthcare in England and Nigeria. you would never chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association. Additionally, he set up He was immensely talented, both forget his unique and chaired the Niger State branch academically and as a sportsman. He character and his of the Association. Over the years, graduated from University College Alfa continued to be an eminent London Medical School in 1976, distinctive voice!’ figure in the local community and having done an intercalated BSc in was awarded a highly esteemed local anatomy, then went on to obtain his deputy medical director for the West chieftaincy in 2000, to become the MRCP within 3 years; he also played Herts Trust. Galadima of Patigi, his hometown. rugby for the university. In 1989, Alfa He joined Ealing NHS Trust in 2011 completed a PhD in the immunology as the medical director and was also A very active member of the Medical of infectious diseases, after obtaining deputy chief executive for a period. Association of Nigerians Across an MSc with distinction, in clinical Great Britain (MANSAG), Alfa He continued his clinical practice tropical medicine, for which he was contributed greatly to the growth of at Ealing Hospital while serving as awarded the Fred Murgatroyd Prize. He the organisation. He also chaired the a member of the board. He joined also received the Duncan Prize when Kwara State Association of Nigeria he completed his diploma in tropical during a time of considerable (KWASANG) for a period. medicine and hygiene (DTM&H). change for the trust and applied himself to facilitating successful Alfa was very charismatic, and one of Alfa became a consultant physician outcomes. his colleagues once said: ‘when you in care of the elderly at Watford meet him, you would never forget his

In tribute: Remembering RCP members and fellows who died from COVID-19 34 unique character and his distinctive voice!’ Interestingly, although Alfa was a keen rugby player and continued to follow rugby football, his son managed to convert him into an ardent Arsenal football supporter! As a consequence, the family have been season-ticket holders for several years and Alfa throughly enjoyed attending all the home matches with his wife and son.

An extremely devoted family man, Alfa will be remembered by his loved ones for his captivating smile, his passion, strength of character and the unconditional love he gave them. He is survived by his wife Dr Diane Macaulay (retired consultant occupational health physician), two sons, a daughter-in-law and two grandsons.

Diane Macaulay

In tribute: Remembering RCP members and fellows who died from COVID-19 35 Anton Sebastianpillai FRCP 23 January 1945 – 4 April 2020

FRCP(2002)

Anton Sebastianpillai was (1999), is a a consultant physician, unique and extensively illustrated dictionary of terms, people, events author, historian, and dates spanning the entire history philosopher, philanthropist of medicine. He had surveyed 3,000 and social activist. antiquarian books plus 2,000 volumes to produce 10,000 entries. It is He came from a family of physicians considered a monumental work, with and was born in Jaffna, Sri Lanka and a large number of illustrations from raised in Kandy, where he attended many sources, compiled over years the Catholic high school St Sylvester and from more than 5,000 books and College. He was trained as a doctor many hundreds of medical journals. at Peradeniya Medical School, It is a major source of vital and University of Ceylon and graduated detailed medical information relating in 1972. After his training, he focused to the founding fathers of medical on general medical practice. He fields, nursing, research experts, had his specialised training in the instruments, conditions, procedures, UK and trained in several hospitals, and dates. For this work, Anton won a including Charing Cross Hospital and BMA Medical Book Award. Kingston Hospital. After obtaining postgraduate qualifications, he The book Dictionary of the history both disciplines. This book starts worked as a visiting consultant to of science (2001) focused on the with the geological formation of several hospitals in the UK and other history of applied sciences – it the land, and continues with the countries including Sri Lanka, and in has approximately 3,000 detailed prehistoric and historic events up to the Middle East he was a physician to and extensively researched the present day. During the writing the Royal Family in Saudi Arabia. entries offering special value to of the book, Anton analysed myths, scientists, doctors, nurses, therapists legends, prehistory, chronicles and As a physician, he was working in health sciences, and inscriptions, geology, , knowledgeable, skilled, dedicated, students. It provides authoritative archeology and other allied sciences. compassionate and committed. He information about notable scientific He travelled to the remotest parts of visited many hospitals and clinics figures, inventions, terms and the island, and met many Buddhist in USA and other countries, sharing dates, captivating anecdotes and monks and spent days and nights in his clinical experience and academic background material. The entries Buddhist monasteries. With the help wisdom with many medical experts. include each term’s Greek and Latin of the monks, he was able to translate After graduating, he was interested origins and concise biography. It is inscriptions that were written on palm in many fields including the history a monumental work of scholarship leaves in the Pali language. In total, of medicine, science, and technology. using many original sources such as this book represented approximately Over 45 years, he collected over 5,000 books and hundreds of journals. 10 years of hard work. books and thousands of articles. He authored many books, including A Another of his works, A complete According to Anton: ‘While studying dictionary of the history of medicine, illustrated history of Sri Lanka (2012), Sri Lankan history, I realised it was Dates in medicine and A dictionary of was also very popular. This book took wanting in so many aspects, in that history of science. 6 years of intensive research – it is you have to look at Sri Lanka not a hybrid of academic and popular in isolation, but how people from His major work, A dictionary of history, while preserving the best of ancient times looked at our country.

In tribute: Remembering RCP members and fellows who died from COVID-19 36 As a result, I have taken Sri Lanka out ‘mindfulness meditation’ by Harvard practices. He was interested in other of an isolated perspective and [placed professors. areas of medicine, such as ethics and it] into a global context.’ According patient-centered compassionate care, to Anton, the major feature of the Anton was a bibliophile and was lifestyle medicine, integrated medicine book was its timeline. He declared: interested in and medical ethics. He was known ‘I constructed the timeline, which from various regions of the world, for doing charity work in Sri Lanka. compared the events in the island which related to traditional medical to the rest of the world for instance. practices from various cultures In addition to history, he had other It was fascinating to know that king namely Greek, Roman, Egyptian, interests in arts, philosophy, and social Gajabahu ruled in the second century Islamic, European, Indian Chinese, sciences and human rights. AD, the Greek philosopher Ptolemy and American Indian traditions. already put Lanka on the map to a fair Anton continued his clinical practice detail.’ He also traveled outside of the UK and died at the age of 75 while to giving lectures and presentations. working at Kingston Hospital after He was knowledgeable with ancient He gave a talk to the Foreign contracting COVID-19. He died on Buddhist medical practices in Sri Lanka, Correspondents’ Club, New Delhi, April 4 2020 in Kingston Hospital. which are based on compassion, India in 2012, and another to As well as being an excellent clinician, cleanliness, and meditation. He the Millennium Oration of the Sri Anton Sebastian was a historian, considered Lord Buddha to be the first Lanka Medical Association of North psychotherapist and psychologist who America in 2012. He also gave a humanist, philosopher, archeologist, practised and taught an advanced talk in PEMSAA in Las Vegas in 1995 polymath and a universalist. form of meditation (Vipassana), on the history of medicine and the that in the West is referred to as importance of current medical ethical Duraiyah Thangathurai

In tribute: Remembering RCP members and fellows who died from COVID-19 37 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 pathology excellence and was a strong advocate services through his work at the Royal for medical education 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 38 David Slattery FRCP 28 January 1930 – 26 December 2020

MBBS(1953), MBE (Mil)(1958), FFOMI(1977), FFOM(1981), FRCP(1986)

Recognised for his service in the army, David Slattery went on to be a pioneer in the field of in the UK and Ireland.

Stonyhurst, then Osborne and Yorkshire. He left in 1947 and went Dartmouth, Sir Matthew was on to train as a heavily involved in the rebuilding in St Thomas’ Hospital, London. He of the Fleet Air Arm from 1937 qualified in 1953 and joined the onwards, and responsible for in 1954. naval aviation procurement and He was posted to Malaya during the production during the Second World Malayan Emergenc, and attached War. After retiring from the Royal to the 17th Ghurka Division. He Navy in 1946, he went on to act was medical officer in charge of the as chairman / managing director Ghurka Sanatorium in the British of various companies including, Military Hospital at Kinrara (nearly Shorts Bros, Bristol Aviation and the Kuala Lumpur) between 1956 and British Overseas Airways Corporation 1958, specialising in tuberculosis. (better known as BOAC). He was awarded an MBE (Mil) for services in 1958. Part of his David’s mother was Micaela (Mica) citation stated that ‘[his] great David died at home in Wapping Swaine. One of four daughters born services rendered to the Gurkhas to Colonel Swaine, latterly chief Quay, Liverpool, in the early hours and therefore also to the spirit of inspector of Police in Trinidad and of Boxing Day 2020. He was almost Britain and the Commonwealth are Tobago. His wife died young, so the 91 and suffering from COPD. deserving of high recognition’. four girls were brought up through COVID-19 brought his life to an end, their teens with no mother. Matthew David retired from the army, moved surprisingly peacefully. and Mica’s family home was near north to Derbyshire, and became Warninglid, West Sussex. His father was rear admiral Sir a specialist increasingly focused on occupational health and safety. Matthew Sausse Slattery, a David was born in Brighton in 1930, He worked as medical officer for Royal Navy career officer and a and educated at the Junior House the East Midlands Gas Board naval aviation pilot. Educated at and then Ampleforth College in (1959–69); then as manager of health and safety for the British Steel Corporation (Rotherham) (1969– ‘ His great services rendered to the 73); and latterly as chief medical Gurkhas and therefore also to the spirit officer for Rolls Royce (1973–92). of Britain and the Commonwealth are In a wide-ranging career, he was also a consultant adviser to the RAF deserving of high recognition.’ (1987–96), and a special lecturer

In tribute: Remembering RCP members and fellows who died from COVID-19 39 at the Department of Community Finally he moved to Liverpool in Health at Nottingham University 1992, after taking a post as a visiting (1978–93). He was adviser to various professor of occupational health other medical bodies, including the at Liverpool University. He was also Department of Health and Social adviser on policy to the Mersey Security, and published papers on Regional Health Authority (1992–94). occupational medicine, and on employment of the disabled. He was He enjoyed rough shooting in a founder fellow of the Faculties of Derbyshire, was a keen yachtsman Occupational Medicine (FOM), first until middle age, a skilled fly in Ireland, and then England, and in fisherman and latterly a genealogist. 1986 he became a fellow of the RCP. He held a number of posts in the He was married twice; first to Mary college and the FOM, including chair W Miller in 1954, and then to Claire of the Specialist Advisory Committee L McGuinness in 1974. He was in Occupational Medicine and as a the father of three sons and two regional adviser, among others. He daughters. was a strong champion of specialist training and a supportive mentor to Nicholas Slattery the trainees with whom he worked.

In tribute: Remembering RCP members and fellows who died from COVID-19 40 David ‘Brailsford’ Tong FRCP 23 December 1941 – 26 May 2020

LRCP Lond(1966) MBBS Lond(1966), MRCP(1972), FRCR(1976), FRCP(1992)

A consultant radiotherapist and the radiotherapy and drug treatment of breast cancer. oncologist at Guy’s Hospital, David However, his major contribution was the clinical care he gave to all his patients. ‘Brailsford’ Tong was not only a much- loved doctor and cherished colleague, At work, from time to time, he would be found sitting in but also a talented poet. the corner of the common room jotting down any lines that entered his head in a little notebook which he always He grew up and went carried. What few knew was that he was a talented poet to primary school who had composed more than a thousand poems by in Littleover, near the time of his death. He was an enthusiastic and highly Derby, and delighted valued member of the Guy’s Hospital Keats Society, whose members meet twice a year to read poetry. The difference his parents, Tom and was that the poems which David read were his own and Alice, by winning they were beautiful, for instance: a place at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar Crocks of Gold (April 2002) School in Ashbourne. There, he excelled In my childhood, I looked to skies ahead. as a scholar, rugby I gazed beyond the far, blue horizons, player and athlete, Where I thought a new life lay, which would spread becoming head Cloaks of dreams; clouds my thoughts could rise upon. boy and school Now I am older and my Fate is sealed, athletics champion, representing Derbyshire schools in the All England Athletics Championship in 1958. The school I look behind to golden days of yore; bus drove through the village of Brailsford, whose name Days of innocence that seem so unreal he later adopted as a tribute to his beloved Derbyshire And yet where my treasures were really stored. countryside. In 1960, he entered Guy’s Hospital Medical We are all children of our memories, School, where he was popular with his fellow students, Unaware of forces that defined us. many of whom he befriended and supported. He qualified in 1966 and undertook his postgraduate training at Guy’s The spill of chance that ruled our destinies Hospital. Lay not in front of us but behind us. The joy of Life, the rainbow’s crock of gold, In 1976, he was appointed consultant radiotherapist and Lies at the beginning, not growing old. oncologist at his alma mater, where he worked for the next quarter of a century. He was loved by his patients. He was devoted to his wife Beryl, a nurse from Edinburgh, He had a general radiotherapy practice, focused on the whom he met at Guy’s and married in 1966. She NHS. He was greatly respected by his colleagues for his developed Parkinson’s disease in 1996 and, by sheer bad quiet, pleasant manner and thoroughness. He never luck, he developed the same disease himself the following made mistakes. He was extraordinarily hard-working year. Beryl sadly died in 2015 but David bravely soldiered and might still be found in his clinic at 8 or 9 o’clock at on alone, despite increasingly severe disability. However, night. If he sought advice from a colleague, his question from his rise and recline chair, with notebook ever to was carefully posed and the answer tenaciously pursued. hand and phone by his side, he still commanded his After the referral, he followed his patients and made sure environment. He remained intellectually active, continuing that they received the best possible advice and care. He to live on his own with support from his children, Suzanne, participated in the research of the Guy’s Hospital Breast Richard, Alison and Nicola – and occasional respite Unit and contributed to more than 20 publications on admissions to the local Princess Royal University hospital.

In tribute: Remembering RCP members and fellows who died from COVID-19 41 David surrounded by (clockwise from the left) his wife Beryl, and his children Suzanne, Richard, Nicola and Alison

He doted on his eight grandchildren, those ‘new flowers High up on the trees, of the earth’ as he described them in one of his poems. Stretching to see their stricken king Already breathless because of his Parkinson’s disease, he Slip into the night. finally succumbed to COVID-19. My golden-haired son will rule tomorrow! His poetic output flourished following his retirement, alongside his decreasing mobility from Parkinson’s. He This final poem, Eternal Flames, was chosen by his son published two anthologies Dawning Light: Perspectives Richard, and sends a further heart-warming message to us all. on Friendship (ISBN 1-904825-05-2) and Tapestries of Life: A Weave of Colours through Different Eyes (ISBN Eternal Flames 978-0-9555298-0-1), both beautifully illustrated with Even wise men do not live forever, photographs taken by a school friend, Peter Karry. Other But their goodness and their wisdom will endure. poems were published in the Guy’s Hospital Gazette and elsewhere, but many remain unpublished. Despite his Death may extinguish smiles, but can never considerable disabilities he was never downhearted, as Snuff out their bright flame or what they stood for. witnessed by this lovely poem which he shared with the Their precious thoughts, their warmth, their honey’d words author shortly before his death: Will linger, as autumn fruits do, each year. Warm thoughts will return, like migrating birds, Sunset To the special places where they were reared, I am the sunset. Those words will hang, like swallows on the wires; I am that warm glow of satisfaction. They will rise as the smoke from autumn fires I was the endless, hot day of battle And the silver splash when salmon rivers flood. But now, I am the dying warrior, Dear friend, cold sleep cannot put out your flame; Sinking to his knees, mortally wounded. Your warm words, your wisdom will e’er remain. I lie bleeding on my burning ship; My funeral pyre will be seen by all my kingdom. Richard Hughes I listen to the hymns of the birds,

In tribute: Remembering RCP members and fellows who died from COVID-19 42 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.

In tribute: Remembering RCP members and fellows who died from COVID-19 43