A consultant who has spent more than five decades in healthcare and 20 years serving patients across Northern Lincolnshire is retiring this month.
Dr Bela Szebenyi, Consultant Rheumatologist at Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby, will retire on 16 September after a distinguished career spanning 55 years in healthcare and 40 years specialising in rheumatology.
Colleagues from across Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust recently came together to celebrate Dr Szebenyi’s achievements and thank him for his commitment to patients, research and medical education.
Originally from Hungary, Dr Szebenyi graduated from the prestigious Semmelweis University in Budapest before becoming a consultant rheumatologist in his home country. In 2005, he moved to the UK and joined the NHS, working in Bristol and Bath before taking up a post in Northern Lincolnshire, where he has worked for the last two decades.
Throughout his career, Dr Szebenyi has remained committed to what he describes as the “three pillars of medicine” – delivering excellent patient care, advancing research and supporting the education of future generations of doctors.
Reflecting on his career, Dr Szebenyi said: “I worked 55 years continuously in healthcare, the last 22 years within the NHS. I always tried to do my best in the three main pillars of medicine, treating patients, conducting research and medical teaching.
“Practically my whole life has been rheumatology. It is a challenging and rewarding profession, and I think I achieved everything I wanted. I have seen huge advances in treatment during my career, transforming the lives of patients.”
Paying tribute to his colleagues, he added: “We have an absolutely fantastic team here. Medicine requires constant education and I have learned so much from my colleagues over the years. I cannot praise them enough for their continuing help and support.
“My grateful thanks go to everyone I have worked with, as well as to my wife Andrea, whose support has been invaluable throughout my career.”
Phil McGlone, General Manager for Medicine at Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Bela has made an outstanding contribution to rheumatology services and to the lives of countless patients over many years. His dedication, expertise and commitment to teaching have left a lasting legacy, and he will be greatly missed by colleagues across the Trust. We wish him a long, happy and well-deserved retirement.”
Following his retirement, Dr Szebenyi plans to return to Hungary.