We’re extremely proud to announce that Professor Sunil Bhandari – whose pioneering work has helped to change the lives of countless kidney patients across the globe – has received a prestigious national award.
The William Cullen Medal is awarded to Fellows of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh who have achieved the “greatest benefit done to practical medicine” and is rarely bestowed.
Professor Bhandari, a Consultant Nephrologist and Transplant Physician with Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and Hull York Medical School, was awarded the medal in recognition of his outstanding contribution to his field – both in the UK and internationally.
Notably, he was a co-author in the pioneering PIVOTAL trial in 2019, which helped to reduce the risk of death, hospitalisation for heart failure and major cardiac issues in patients on dialysis suffering from anaemia.
Professor Bhandari has also served as co-chair of the UK Kidney Research Consortium, the co-director of the UK Advanced Nephrology Course, and was the Chief Investigator of the NIHR STOP-ACEi in the UK – a study aimed at improving and stabilising kidney function in those with stage four or five chronic kidney disease.
Presenting the award, Professor Mark Strachan, President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, said: “The William Cullen Medal is one of the most prestigious honours that the College can bestow on one of our fellows and I am delighted that our College Council decided to award it to Professor Bhandari.
“He is a leader in his speciality or nephrology and is renowned as a global expert I renal anaemia. His impact has been demonstrated across numerous areas: in pioneering research, as co-chair of the UK Kidney Research Consortium, as a respected educator and as a consultant who has taken forward many service enhancements to the benefit of patients in East Yorkshire.
“His award of the William Cullen Medal is richly deserved and a testament to his achievements over many years.”
Professor Bhandari said: “It is a tremendous privilege and honour to have been awarded the Cullen Medal.
“Over the past 26 years working in East Yorkshire, across a range of roles – physician, clinical researcher, teacher, educator and leader – I have sought to make a meaningful and lasting contribution; improving the lives of patients through research and innovation, and supporting the development and success of clinicians, trainees and researchers.
“This recognition is not an individual achievement alone. I have been fortunate to work alongside exceptional colleagues, locally and nationally, and with organisations such as the UK Kidney Association and Kidney Research UK. I have also had the privilege of collaborating with talented fellows, office bearers and the dedicated staff team at the RCPE.
“Throughout my career, I have been continually inspired by the generosity, commitment, and shared purpose of those around me. This award reflects what can be achieved when we work together to advance knowledge, improve care and invest in the next generation. I remain committed to continuing that contribution and helping shape the future of kidney medicine and medical education.”