Professor Sir Neil Douglas

It is with the most profound sadness that I inform you of the death of Professor Sir Neil Douglas, the Founding Chairman of FMLM. Neil died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on Sunday 23 August, after a long illness borne with characteristic courage. In my last communication with him, just a week ago, we had discussed his contribution towards FMLM’s 10th anniversary celebrations, as I had asked him to write about the establishment of the Faculty and how he had led that process.

Neil, as many of you will know, was a professor of respiratory and sleep medicine, President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (2004 – 10) then Chairman of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (2009 – 2012) who saw the need to institute a professional body for doctors of all career grades and specialties who aspired to leadership and management. In January 2011, Neil presided over the Academy’s endorsement of the establishment of FMLM.

We have lost a great man, without whom it is unlikely that FMLM would have existed. I have lost a great friend and mentor, without whose wisdom and leadership the development of FMLM would have been much more of a challenge. I invite members and fellows to join me, along with the FMLM team, in safeguarding Neil’s legacy and honouring his memory through our work to support all doctors and dentists to become better leaders and managers.

Peter Lees 

FMLM Chief Executive