Exeter professor wins prestigious medal for international medical education service

Adrian Freeman, Professor of Medical Education at the University of Exeter Medical School, said winning the accolade was a “real honour”.

The medal, awarded only occasionally by the Royal College of General Practitioners, recognises meritorious commitment and service to the development of general practice or family medicine.

Professor Freeman said: “While the award focuses on the development of general practice internationally, it also recognises the international work that I have done for undergraduate. The international focus is very rewarding as we learn so much from different cultures and countries, and the University of Exeter has been very supportive of this work.”

Professor Freeman has travelled all over the world delivering training to doctors, which has translated to the delivery of better patient care across the globe. He has experience of working on general practice training projects in Oman, Dubai, Malta, Kosovo, Egypt, Libya, Indonesia and Canada.

In addition, he is the Chair of the International panel of the Membership of the Royal College of General Practitioners, a member of the National Board of Medical Examiners and the Board of the UK Medical Schools Council Assessment Alliance.

He is also a founder member of the European Board of Medical Assessors, helping nine European countries to hone their general practitioner assessment methodologies and he has also been a member of the American Board of Medical Examiners.

The Royal College of General Practitioners is the professional body for GPs in the UK. It represents and supports GPs on key issues including licensing, education, training, research and clinical standards. With over 50,000 members, it is the largest of the medical royal colleges.

Professor Clive Ballard, Executive Dean and Pro-Vice Chancellor at the University of Exeter Medical School, said: “Congratulations to Adrian on this well-deserved award. His global focus is increasingly important at a time when our international reputation is growing, and it is vital that we collaborate worldwide to share latest research and best practice.”