Global cancer expert to lead development of medical school

One of the world's top cancer research specialists is to lead the development of a new international medical school at Queen’s University Belfast.

Professor of Oncology Paddy Johnston, who is director of the world renowned Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology at Queen's, is to become Dean of Queen’s School of Medicine and Dentistry in September. His mission will be to transform medical education and research in Northern Ireland, bringing together world class strengths in medicine, dentistry and biomedical sciences at Queen's.

An international review group will make recommendations on the future shape of medical education and research at Queen's, identifying how it can build on existing strengths to meet the needs of the next 30 years.

Professor Johnston said: "Northern Ireland can be a global player in medical research and education, and I believe Queen's will be the catalyst which helps transform its health services.

“Queen's is already a global player in cancer research and we can build centres of world excellence in other areas of medicine too. We have a track record in delivering, and my job - along with my colleagues - is to create an internationally leading medical school with the aim of becoming a world player in health care.

"Devolution, and the new arrangements for managing the National Health Service in Northern Ireland, have created opportunities to establish new partnerships, allowing Queen's and the five new hospital trusts to respond imaginatively to the 21st century's challenges.

“I want Northern Ireland to be recognised internationally as providing the highest quality care to our community, and to be seen as a leader in patient care, research, and education and training. Patients will have access to the latest treatments and innovations, and the international community will look to Queen's for leadership in this area."

(JM/KMcA)