Professor Mark Caulfield (UK) was awarded the title of “Honorary Doctor of Odesa National Medical University”

On November 28, 2024, a meeting of the Academic Council of Odesa National Medical University considered many issues, including the awarding of the title of “Honorary Doctor of Odessa National Medical University” to Professor Sir Mark Caulfield.

Professor Sir Mark Caulfield is Deputy Director for Health, Director of the NIHR Barts Biomedical Research Centre at Queen Mary University of London (UK). He is a leading expert in the field of gene discovery related to blood pressure, cardiovascular health, cancer and rare diseases. His research has changed national and international guidelines for the treatment of high blood pressure. Mark Caulfield was one of the creators of the NHS National Catalogue of Genomic Tests and the new Genomic Medicine Service. For this work, he was awarded a knighthood in 2019 on the Queen’s Birthday.

The Chairman of the Academic Council, Academician of the NAMS of Ukraine, Professor Valeriy Zaporozhan, provided information about the scientific status and professional achievements of Professor Mark Caulfield and proposed: “Considering his outstanding achievements in the field of discovering genes related to blood pressure, cardiovascular health, cancer and rare diseases, strengthening public health, active work to improve ties with medical schools in other countries, as well as valuable experience and authority in the global scientific and educational community, I propose to award Professor Sir Mark Caulfield, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Deputy Director for Health at Queen Mary University of London, Director of the NIHR Barts Biomedical Research Centre at Queen Mary University of London (Great Britain)  the title “Honorary Doctor of Odesa National Medical University””.

The Academic Council approved Valeriy Zaporozhan’s proposal unanimously.

This event is also significant for the development of international cooperation at Odesa National Medical University because Professor Sir Mark Caulfield represents the university with which our higher education institution has been successfully developing a Twinning partnership since July 2022. Professor Caulfield is a key figure in implementing the cooperation plans of the two universities, which include various areas, one of which is the clinical practice of Odesa National Medical University students in leading hospitals in London. Nine students have already gained invaluable experience, ranging from taking patient medical histories to assisting in surgical interventions. New groups of students are eagerly awaiting their time to join the academic and clinical community of Queen Mary University of London. Professor Caulfield is ready to fully support the new proposals of Odesa National Medical University regarding promising cooperation, such as: creating a communication bridge between the student communities of the two universities, academic and personnel mobility, development of joint scientific projects, etc.

In his speech, Professor Sir Mark Caulfield sincerely thanked the Rector of ONMedU, Academician of the NAMS of Ukraine Valeriy Zaporozhan, and members of the Academic Council for the high honor of receiving the title of Honorary Doctor of Odesa National Medical University and expressed the hope that the mutual partnership will reach new heights. “It is an honor for us to continue training your doctors, despite the terrible challenges that Ukraine is experiencing. This partnership is certainly beneficial for both sides,” said Mark Caulfield.