Annual Awards Ceremony 2025
And so, another Faculty Awards Ceremony has been and gone. On a wonderful sunny day in Edinburgh, over 130 new members, award winners and guests joined us at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh to celebrate the achievements and success of our new members.
Beginning with the traditional procession of the FSEM Office Bearers, new Honorary Fellows and past president Dr John Etherington CBE, Dr Natasha Jones opened the ceremony with her address to the new members, the final of her 4-year presidential term at the Faculty.
Honorary Fellowships
The speech was then followed by the presentation of Honorary Fellowships, offered each year to those who have made outstanding contributions to the Sport and Exercise Medicine specialty, and healthcare more broadly.
Dr William Bird MBE
The first of our new Honorary Fellows was for Dr William Bird MBE, who was presented his well-deserved Honorary Fellowship, recognising a career that has profoundly shaped the landscape of Sport and Exercise Medicine and physical activity promotion. From training GPs in physical activity and leading the London 2012 Olympic legacy programme, to founding the Physical Activity Clinical Champions (PACC) initiative, now a cornerstone of UK medical education, Dr Bird has been instrumental in embedding movement into clinical practice. His work has influenced national policy, international training through the WHO, and the development of innovative tools like the Health Creation Index. Through Intelligent Health and the global Beat the Street programme, he has empowered millions to become more active, particularly in underserved communities. His enduring commitment to integrating physical activity into healthcare and public life continues to inspire professionals and improve population health across the UK and beyond.
Dr Alastair Nichol
Dr Alastair Nicol was also presented with an Honorary Fellowship, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to Sport and Exercise Medicine across clinical, military, and elite sporting domains. A pioneer in SEM since his student days, Dr Nicol has combined frontline military service with a distinguished medical career, supporting athletes at the highest levels – from Olympic teams to Formula 1. His leadership in SEM education, particularly through his role as Head of Examinations at the Faculty, has expanded and strengthened the specialty’s assessment standards. With deep empathy shaped by personal experience and a commitment to excellence, Dr Nicol has advanced the integration of physical activity into healthcare and championed athlete welfare across disciplines. His legacy is one of service, innovation, and unwavering dedication to the growth of SEM in the UK and internationally.
Welcoming FSEM’s new members
Following the gowning of our two new Honorary Fellows, it was then time to welcome our new Fellows, Members and Diplomates to the Faculty. As referenced by Natasha in her opening speech, the Faculty have reached the huge milestone of over 1000 members in 2025, and it was delightful to see so many of those new members present at the ceremony to collect their certificate, with many more new members also not attendance.
Award Winners
The ceremony also provided an opportunity to present several awards, championing excellence across different strands of the Faculty, such as its examinations.
Macleod Medal Winner 2025
The Macleod Medal is named after the late Professor Donald Macleod, recognising his enduring contribution to the field of Sport and Exercise Medicine, It is awarded to the candidate who achieved the highest mark in both parts of the Specialty Examination held in each calendar year.
Congratulations to Dr Soo Yit Gustin Mak from the University of Leeds.
Home Country Sports Institutes Award
A new award for 2025, which is supported by the Home Country Sports Institutes, has been established to recognise excellence in the Team Care Diploma Examination. This annual award is presented to the candidate who achieves the highest overall mark in the examination, highlighting both their commitment to professional development and their expertise in the skills and knowledge required for delivery of high-quality medical care to athletes.
Congratulations to Dr Matthew Giles from the University of Cardiff
Vitruvian Medal Award
The Worshipful Society of Apothecaries is delighted to support the Diploma in Musculoskeletal Medicine. The Award of the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries is presented to the candidate who achieves the highest mark in the Musculoskeletal Medicine Diploma examination.
Congratulations to Dr Alex Rowland from University College London, who was unfortunately not present at the ceremony to collect his award.
USEMS Essay Competition Winner
The Undergraduate Sports and Exercise Medicine Society and the Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine UK, run an annual essay competition, which provides a terrific opportunity for aspiring students with an interest in Sport and Exercise Medicine to showcase their passion and knowledge in the subject area. Congratulations to Mr Nicolas Chapelot from University College London, who was also unfortunately not in attendance at the ceremony to collect his certificate.
Goodbye to Siobhán
There is also a special mention needed for the Faculty’s Senior Administrator, Mrs Siobhán Watts, who was supporting her final Awards Ceremony as she is retiring later this month, following 20 years of warmth, kindness and unwavering dedication her role. Everyone at the Faculty would like to wish Siobhán the very best in the next stage of her life.
Closing Remarks
The Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine UK would like to extend our deepest thanks to everyone who attended this year’s ceremony. It was another hugely successful day, reflecting on a monumental year for the Faculty and, of course, welcoming all of our newest members. Congratulations to all new Fellows, Members and Diplomates of the Faculty.
“You, too, have the opportunity, through your membership of the Faculty, and soon to be College, to contribute to our shared vision and I urge you to take advantage of it. To steal another great man’s words, the words of Nelson Mandela, ‘Everyone has a purpose, and it’s important you find your path to make this world a better place for all’.
And so, I’ll ask you all to join me now in congratulating our new Fellows, Members and Diplomates – welcome to our Faculty, your Faculty!”
Dr Natasha Jones, FSEM President
Ceremony Photos
Please see the link below to access all ceremony photos.