Winter Scientific Meeting 2025 honours and awards
At this year's Winter Scientific Meeting, 9-10 January 2025, the Association was thrilled to celebrate thirteen deserving individuals with honours and awards. This article introduces our honours and awards and summarises the winners. Find the full citations here.
Sir Ivan Magill Memorial Gold Medal for Innovation
Awarded for sustained innovation in anaesthesia, critical care, or pain management, the prestigious Sir Ivan Magill Memorial Gold Medal for Innovation was presented to John Carlisle at the Winter Scientific Meeting 2025.
Carlisle served as an editor for Anaesthesia for over 12 years and is a pioneer in reshaping clinical research, focusing on the credibility and reproducibility of clinical trials. He uncovered significant issues, such as fraudulent "zombie trials" with unreliable datasets—up to 40% of submissions in some cases. By demanding raw data and exposing these flaws, Carlisle has been instrumental in driving global efforts to improve transparency and accountability in science.
Honorary Membership
Honorary membership recognises individuals who have made exceptional, lifetime contributions to the Association and the field of anaesthesia. This year, Dr Kathleen Ferguson, Professor Andrew Hartle, and Dr Alistair McKenzie were awarded
Dr Ferguson dedicated 15 years to the Association and became its first female President. As President, she navigated challenges such as the flood at 21 Portland Place and the COVID-19 pandemic. Her exceptional leadership during the pandemic fostered collaboration across organisations, ensuring anaesthetists received vital guidance.
Professor Hartle, recognised internationally for his work in anaesthesia, served as President of three key anaesthetic organisation, including the Association of Anaesthetists. He is also a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, advocating for inclusivity in both medicine and the military.
Dr McKenzie, a renowned historian, has been an Honorary Archivist since 2008. He expanded the Heritage Centre Library and contributed to Anaesthesia News.
John Snow Silver Medal
The John Snow Silver Medal honours anaesthetists for exceptional service within the Association. This year, Dr Tei Sheraton was recognised for her outstanding contributions as Diversity and Equality Lead, Honorary Membership Secretary, Vice President, and Chair of several key committees.
Dr Sheraton has transformed global anaesthesia practices through her work with the International Relations Committee and SAFE programmes, impacting resource-limited settings. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she played a pivotal role in shaping national strategies. Dr Sheraton continues to advocate for anaesthetists’ wellbeing and mentorship.
Anniversary Medal
The Anniversary Medal is awarded to those who have held office or made significant contributions to the Association. This year, Dr Rory Page and Dr Rob Fleming were recipients.
Dr Page served as Honorary Secretary and Convenor of the Irish Standing Committee, earning recognition for his leadership. We are also grateful to Dr Fleming, who in 2019 was elected to the Association Board’s first dedicated SAS seat and contributed greatly to the Association until March 2024.
Kathleen Ferguson Award for Inclusivity
Dr Rob Fleming also received our new award – the Kathleen Ferguson Award for Inclusivity. As the name suggests, this award has been created to celebrate diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. Dr Fleming has been an ardent advocate for SAS doctors, pushing for their development and recognition.
Dr Luke Flower was also celebrated with this award as he has tirelessly championed the rights of the LGBTQ+ community within the Association, focusing on both patient and colleague wellbeing.
The Association Award
Finally, the Association Award honours those who have made significant contributions to the Association’s goals, charitable foundation, and members. This year, Dr Stephen Mullarkey, Dr Gary Rodgers, Col James Ralph, Dr John Shubhaker, and Dr Louise Swan received this award.
Dr Mullarkey has provided invaluable financial expertise to the Association, guiding it through challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. Col Ralph has contributed extensively to defence anaesthesia and the Defence Medical Services. Dr Rodgers represented the views of resident anaesthetists through his various roles within the Royal College of Anaesthetists and the Association. Dr Swan contributed to the Resident Doctors Committee in various capacities, most recently as Honorary Secretary. She is also a dedicated mentor to Association members.
Congratulations to all. Read the full citations here.
Find out more about our honours and awards.