List of presidents of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh

List of presidents of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh

The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (RCPE) is a professional organization of physicians in Scotland. It was founded in 1681 and has a long history of leadership in the medical profession. The College is governed by a president, who is elected by the fellows of the College. This article provides a list of individuals who have served as president of the RCPE.

History

The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh was established in 1681 by a royal charter granted by King Charles II. The College was founded to improve the practice of medicine in Scotland and to regulate the profession. Over the centuries, the College has played a significant role in the advancement of medical knowledge and education.

Role of the President

The president of the RCPE is a senior physician who provides leadership to the College. The president represents the College in national and international medical communities, oversees the College's activities, and works to promote the highest standards of medical practice.

List of Presidents

The following is a list of some notable presidents of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh:

18th Century

• Sir Robert Sibbald (1681–1684) - The first president of the College, Sibbald was a prominent physician and naturalist.
• Sir Archibald Stevenson (1684–1685) - Known for his contributions to medical education.

19th Century

• Sir James Y. Simpson (1849–1851) - A pioneer in the use of anesthesia in childbirth.
• Sir Robert Christison (1861–1863) - Renowned for his work in toxicology and medical jurisprudence.

20th Century

• Sir Stanley Davidson (1953–1956) - An influential figure in medical education and author of a widely used textbook on medicine.
• Sir John Crofton (1973–1976) - Known for his work on tuberculosis treatment.

21st Century

• 

  Prof Derek Bell, President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
• Professor Derek Bell (2014–2017) - Focused on improving patient safety and quality of care.
• Professor Angela Thomas (2017–2020) - The first female president of the College, known for her work in hematology.

Notable Figures

Norman Walker

• Norman Walker - A dermatologist who made significant contributions to the understanding of skin diseases.

Robert Alexander Fleming

• Robert Alexander Fleming - Known for his research in cardiology and contributions to medical literature.

Related Pages

• Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
• History of medicine in the United Kingdom
• Medical education in the United Kingdom

See Also

• List of presidents of the Royal College of Physicians
• List of presidents of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh