Professor Brigitte Scammell has been appointed the new Dean of the School of Medicine, succeeding Professor Tony Avery, to take up a four-year term from August.

She will become the third Dean of the School of Medicine, and the first woman to hold the role, at a pivotal time with the growth of the Nottingham Medical School and the new collaboration with the University of Lincoln to offer first class medical education in Lincolnshire.

Brigitte is currently Head of the Division of Rheumatology, Orthopaedics and Dermatology in the School of Medicine. A consultant orthopaedic surgeon in adult foot and ankle surgery at the City Hospital, Nottingham, she was the first woman to be appointed Professor of Orthopaedics in the UK.

She is a founding member of the Pain Centre and of the Centre for Sport, Exercise and Osteoarthritis. Her clinical interests have a particular emphasis on the reconstruction of severe deformity and treatment of infection in patients with diabetic foot disorders. Her main research interests are in bone healing and osteoarthritis.

Commenting on her appointment, Brigitte said:

“I am honoured and thrilled to accept the role as the Dean of the School of Medicine. I look forward to working with staff, students and partners in leading the School through the next stages of its development, and furthering its renowned medical research and teaching programmes.

“I intend to build on the impressive legacy of our current Dean, Professor Tony Avery, ensuring that the School of Medicine delivers modern technology-enabled learning, research which addresses the greatest needs of patients, and cutting-edge clinical practice for the people of our region.”

Professor John Atherton, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, said:

“I am delighted with Brigitte’s appointment to this important leadership role in the Faculty. Her pioneering achievements over her career made her the ideal candidate to lead the School of Medicine and deliver outstanding teaching and research that will have a real impact on health and wellbeing in the region.

“Brigitte has demonstrated the highest standards throughout her career whether that has been within her clinical practice or an academic setting. She has experience in leading and supporting colleagues and students throughout their medical training and professional development, and brings a strong vision and commitment to medical education and research.”

Brigitte will formally take up the role on 1 August 2019.