A leading University of Nottingham medical professor has received a knighthood.

Professor Sir Peter Rubin was honoured for his distinguished services to medicine both locally, as a practising NHS clinician and Boots Professor of Therapeutics at the University, and nationally, as Chairman of the regulatory body, the General Medical Council (GMC).

As Dean of the Faculty of Medicine between 1997 and 2003, Sir Peter was a pioneer of modern medical and veterinary education at Nottingham, leading the foundation of the Graduate Medical School at the Royal Derby Hospital and the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University’s Sutton Bonington campus.

He is a specialist in clinical pharmacology especially in the fields of high blood pressure and medical problems in pregnancy. Despite this high-profile role, setting standards for medical education and practice with the GMC, he still works as clinical academic at the University and as honorary consultant in Nottingham.

Prof Sir Peter Rubin said: “Receiving a knighthood is a wonderful honour. Over the years it has been tremendous to work with some wonderfully talented people, leading change in a variety of areas, both locally and nationally. But first and foremost I am a doctor and I have had the privilege of touching and changing lives.”

Prof Sir Peter Rubin has held other high-profile roles, including Board member of the Higher Education Funding Council for England.

As Chairman of the GMC Education Committee and of the Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board, he has led major changes in medical education. He has also chaired Medical Research Council steering groups forging new treatments for the pregnancy disorder, pre-eclampsia.

Prof David Greenaway, Vice-Chancellor, said: “The investiture is a thrilling occasion for Peter and a proud one for the University. I know that colleagues will join me in wishing him the warmest congratulations. As well as practising medicine in the city and helping to lead the profession on the national stage, he continues to play a key role in training future generations of medical professionals. Peter’s contribution to The University of Nottingham and to medicine and public health more widely, has been outstanding over a period of more than 20 years.”