Professor Shakila Thangaratinam, Executive Dean of the Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, has become only the second woman to receive the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists’ (RCOG) prestigious Eardley Holland Medal.
This medal, awarded just once every five years, recognises Professor Thangaratinam’s outstanding contribution through original work to the field of obstetrics and gynaecology.
Professor Thangaratinam is a leading figure in women’s health. She is Professor of Women’s Health, NIHR Senior Investigator, Consultant Obstetrician, and Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences.
Her distinguished career has shaped national and global guidelines through widely cited research on topics including Covid-19 in pregnancy, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, pulse oximetry in newborns, and epilepsy in pregnancy. As a Consultant Obstetrician at Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust, she also provides care for pregnant women.
Reflecting on the honour, Professor Thangaratinam said: “I am immensely proud to have received this award. It brings me great joy to have played a role in improving the health of women and their babies over these years. During my career, I have worked with many talented colleagues within UK and across the world. I accept this on behalf of all those who share my drive to ensure women have equality in health outcomes and access to healthcare, and their voices are listened to in shaping research.”
Professor Ranee Thakar, Immediate Past President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Honorary Professor of Women’s Health at University of Liverpool said: “We offer our sincere congratulations to Professor Shakila Thangaratinam on being awarded The Eardley Holland Medal. This honour recognises original work of outstanding merit in obstetrics and gynaecology, and Professor Thangaratinam’s contribution exemplifies this. Her research has transformed care for women and their babies, shaped global COVID-19 vaccine policy and helped prevent maternal deaths. Through leading two WHO Collaborating Centres and building powerful patient and public involvement networks, the impact of her work will continue to be felt for years to come.”
About the RCOG and the Eardley Holland Medal
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists is a medical charity that champions the provision of high quality women’s healthcare in the UK and beyond.
Sir Eardley Holland was a Foundation Fellow of the College and President from 1943-46. In 1960 he entered into a trust deed with the College which established the Eardley Holland Gold Medal Trust. The award was first made in 1960 and since that date is has been made every 5 years.