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Kidney expert receives honour for global work

Holly PhillipsEast Yorkshire and Lincolnshire
NHS Humber Health Partnership A head and shoulders shot of Professor Sunil Bhandari, wearing a black and red robe, holding a small gold medal which sits in a box. He has brown hair and is smiling at the camera. He is stood in front of a set of red-carpeted stairs.NHS Humber Health Partnership
Professor Sunil Bhandari says receiving the William Cullen Medal is a "tremendous privilege"

A professor who has changed the lives of kidney patients across the world has won a distinguished award.

Prof Sunil Bhandari, a consultant nephrologist and transplant physician, has been awarded the William Cullen Medal for his contribution to his field in the UK and internationally.

The William Cullen Medal is awarded to a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (RCPE) for "the greatest benefit done to practical medicine".

Bhandari, who works at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and Hull York Medical School, described receiving the accolade as a "tremendous privilege and honour".

Over the past 26 years, Bhandari has worked as a physician, clinical researcher and teacher in East Yorkshire.

He co-authored the landmark PIVOTAL trial, which helped reduce the risk of death, hospitalisation for heart failure, and major cardiac issues in patients on dialysis suffering from anaemia.

He was also the chief investigator of the NIHR STOP-ACEi trial, a study aimed at improving kidney function in those with stage four or five chronic kidney disease.

Bhandari said: "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."

NHS Humber Health Partnership Professor Sunil Bhandari standing with Professor Mark Strachan. Professor Sunil Bhandari is wearing a black and red robe, holding a small gold medal which sits in a box. He has brown hair and is smiling at the camera. Professor Mark Strachan is wearing a black and red robe over a grey suit blazer, a white shirt and a red tie. He is bald and is wearing glasses. He is smiling at the camera. They are stood in front of a set of red-carpeted stairs.NHS Humber Health Partnership
Bhandari being presented with the medal by Professor Mark Strachan

The medal is named in honour of the past president of the RCPE, Dr William Cullen, an influential Scottish physician and chemist.

Nominations for the award are only accepted every four years and recipients are determined by the president and council of the college.

Presenting the award, president of the RCPE, Prof Mark Strachan, 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."

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