It is customary for the Christmas lecture to be delivered by someone from the CSTS Membership and this year Emeritus Professor John Cookson, of Bisley, is our guest speaker. From 1979 to 2002 Professor Cookson was a Consultant Physician with a special interest in respiratory disease at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust where he became Clinical Sub-Dean and, later, Director of Clinical Studies.

His worldwide contribution to medical education was recognised in 2021 when he was awarded the President’s Medal by the Association for the Study of Medical Education and an Honorary Fellowship by the Academy of Medical Educators.

Since 2017 Professor Cookson has been instrumental in setting up new medical schools in Worcester and Portsmouth; projects made even more complex by the large number of stakeholders involved.

His current positions are:
Medical School Development Dean, University of Portsmouth. January 2022 –
Emeritus Professor, University of Worcester
Emeritus Professor of Medical Education, Hull York Medical School
Honorary Professor, University of Exeter.