Sir Neil James Douglas (28 May 1949 – 23 August 2020)[1] was a medical doctor and was president of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (RCPE) 2004–2010 and chairman of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC) 2009–2012.
He was a professor of respiratory and sleep medicine at the University of Edinburgh and an honorary consultant physician at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.[2] He established the National Scottish Sleep Laboratory at the Edinburgh City Hospital.[3]
In 1983 Douglas was elected a member of the Harveian Society of Edinburgh and served as Medical Secretary from 1995-2003. He was President of the Society in 2004.[4]
In December 2003, he was announced as President-elect of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, taking up the post of president in March 2004.[5] He was re-elected in December 2008.[6] and held office until 2010. He was chairman of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges 2009–2012.[citation needed]
When the Medical Training Application Service (MTAS) was set up in 2007- with multiple problems evident- he chaired the initial MTAS review group.[7]
He was Chairman of the Founding Council of the Faculty of Medical Leadership and Management (FMLM).[8]
On retirement, he was Professor of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine (Emeritus) at the University of Edinburgh.[citation needed]
Sir Neil Douglas died on 23 August 2020, aged 71.[2]
In 2007, he was bestowed with an Honorary Doctor of Medicine by the University of St Andrews.[9]
In the 2009 New Year Honours, he was made Knight Bachelor for services to Medicine.[10]