NHS Grampian consultant wins prestigious surgeons award

Published: 30/10/2023 14:05

A NHS Grampian consultant has been given a prestigious award for his work in the field of urology.  

Professor James N’Dow was given the St Peter’s medal, by the British Association of Urological Surgeons, to recognise his work in moving the speciality forward.  

James said: “I’m very grateful to have received this. It came as a bit of a surprise, I never worked thinking I’d win this award, it’s not something that was on my radar. I never understood what having imposter syndrome meant – but at 57-years-old I realise how incredible this is.  

“It’s a great recognition of all the work that goes in from all urology staff at NHS Grampian and those involved with UCAN. I do everything with others, I don’t work on my own. I very much hope they all take as much pride as I do in this award.”  

James N’Dow, who was awarded the St Peter’s medal, by the British Association of Urological Surgeons
James N’Dow, who was awarded the St Peter’s medal, by the British Association of Urological Surgeons

Included in James’ achievements are:  

  • He is co-founder and managing director of the Urological cancer charity, UCAN. UCAN has raised over £8million (cash and in-kind) and funded the first urological cancer care centre in Scotland.  
  • Part of the effort to ensure Aberdeen was the first centre in Scotland to introduce robotic surgery.  
  • Director of the academic urology unit in Aberdeen University.  
  • First senior lecturer of urology in Aberdeen.  
  • He has published more than 170 research papers and been cited more than 7,000 times.  
  • In 2008-12 he was a coordinating editor within the Cochrane collaboration.  
  • Former Chairman of Clinical Practice Guidelines Office Board of the European Association of Urology.  
  • Under his leadership the EAU guidelines became one of the most comprehensive and trusted sources of urological guidelines globally. It is currently endorsed by 75 countries.  
  • Contributed to the UK NICE guidelines.  
  • Provides and supports training of young urologists in his home country.  
  • Has helped to raised enough funds to build a hospital in The Gambia.  
  • Leads Horizons Trust Gambia – which supports childbirth facilities.  
  • Last year James’ service to the local community was recognised with his appointment to the post Deputy Lieutenant of the County of Aberdeenshire.  

Presenting the citation for the medal to James, Professor Sam McClinton said James’ award was “richly deserved”.  

“The competition for these medals in intense – and James is a very worthy winner.  

“The international reputation of the Aberdeen urology department is a real tribute to his energy and drive. He’s been a true and steadfast colleague.”  

James added: “Aberdeen has no doubt made me who I am. I would not be here today if it wasn’t for the many who sacrificed so much to walk for a purpose that we shared. This is about my hugely supportive colleagues. This is about the people and businesses of Grampian who have supported our urology services via the UCAN charity.  

“This award is about colleagues in Aberdeen, colleagues nationally, colleagues across Europe, in The Gambia and those globally, who I work closely with, and about my mentors.”