Professor Tony Redmond OBE is first FRRHH Honorary Fellow

The Faculty of Remote, Rural and Humanitarian Healthcare (FRRHH) is proud to appoint Professor Tony Redmond OBE its first Honorary Fellow. A globally respected figure in humanitarian medicine, Professor Redmond’s distinguished career spans more than 35 years of service in some of the world’s most challenging environments.

Professor Redmond is the founder of UK-Med, the UK’s leading and only World Health Organization-verified emergency medical team. He has dedicated his life to delivering medical care in disaster zones, conflict settings and low-resource environments. Professor Redmond serves on the Faculty Executive Committee and holds the titles of Professor Emeritus of International Emergency Medicine at the Humanitarian and Conflict Response Institute (University of Manchester) and Emeritus Professor of Emergency Medicine at Keele University. His appointment marks a milestone in the Faculty’s evolution and reflects its commitment to recognising those who demonstrate leadership, compassion and excellence in delivering healthcare where it is needed most.

Career of global impact

Professor Redmond established UK-Med after developing its predecessor, the South Manchester Accident Rescue Team (SMART), into a world-class medical response charity. Under his leadership, UK-Med became a core provider of urgent medical care during humanitarian emergencies, responding to earthquakes, epidemics and conflicts with speed, professionalism and compassion. Professor Redmond said: “The establishment of the FRRHH as a professional home for those who care for patients in the most difficult conditions is a major milestone in my career. More importantly, it represents a significant recognition of the need for high-quality healthcare in the world’s most challenging environments.”

Defining moment for the Faculty

Professor Redmond’s appointment is a defining moment for the Faculty, which continues to build its reputation as a leader in setting standards and supporting professionals in remote, rural and humanitarian healthcare. It highlights the Faculty’s role not only in education and advocacy, but in celebrating the values that underpin humanitarian medical practice.

RCSEd President Professor Rowan Parks said: “This is a momentous occasion for the humanitarian healthcare profession. This award not only honours Tony’s exceptional contributions to humanitarianism but also highlights the College’s commitment to recognising and advancing excellence in healthcare for underserved and challenging environments. Tony’s work embodies the spirit of resilience, dedication and compassion that FRRHH stands for.”

Lifelong advocate and innovator

Lt Col (Rtd) Andrew Kent OBE, Deputy Chair of FRRHH, paid tribute to Professor Redmond’s enduring contributions, noting that although he stepped down as Chair of UK-Med earlier this year, he continues to serve as an ambassador for the charity. Despite health issues sustained during humanitarian missions, Professor Redmond recently travelled to Ukraine to visit UK-Med’s operations and engage directly with field teams.

Kent emphasised Professor Redmond’s part in shaping international policy through his involvement in the WHO’s Emergency Medical Teams Initiative. “Tony’s leadership has helped professionalise the global humanitarian response,” he said. “His expertise is sought after at the highest levels and his impact will be felt for generations to come.”

Education champion

Professor Redmond has helped strengthen the profession through education. With RCSEd, he played a central role in developing the Introduction to Humanitarian Healthcare course, which is freely available and designed to give healthcare professionals the knowledge to work safely and effectively in humanitarian contexts His services have been widely recognised, including his appointment as an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2019.

Call to action

If you work in – or are passionate about – remote, rural or humanitarian healthcare, we invite you to join the Faculty. Whether you are a clinician, educator, policymaker or supporter, your insight is vital. Together, we can build a community committed to improving care in the world’s most challenging settings. Visit www.rcsed.ac.uk/frrhh to learn more.