Professor Tony Redmond Appointed as Inaugural Honorary Fellow of the Faculty of Remote Rural and Humanitarian Healthcare

---

« View all FRRHH News items

---

The Faculty of Remote, Rural and Humanitarian Healthcare (FRRHH) has recently appointed Professor Tony Redmond as its first-ever Honorary Fellow, recognising his lifetime of service and extraordinary contributions to the field of international emergency medicine and humanitarian healthcare.

 

Professor Tony Redmond OBE is the founder of UK-Med, a UK-based charity that has become a leading force in global emergency medical response. He is also a member of the FRRHH’s Executive Committee and holds positions as Professor Emeritus of International Emergency Medicine at the Humanitarian and Conflict Response Institute at the University of Manchester and Emeritus Professor of Emergency Medicine at Keele University. With over 35 years of experience in humanitarian aid, Redmond has played a pivotal role in organising and leading medical support in disaster zones, conflict areas, and other complex emergencies around the world.

Redmond founded UK-Med, which emerged from the South Manchester Accident Rescue Team (SMART) and built it into the UK’s primary emergency medical charity for responding to sudden-onset disasters. Under his leadership, UK-Med became a key player in delivering urgent medical care in both natural and man-made crises, providing critical healthcare support when and where it’s most needed.

Upon receiving the honorary fellowship, Professor Redmond expressed his appreciation, saying:

“The establishment of the Faculty of Remote, Rural and Humanitarian Healthcare as a professional home for those who care for patients in the most difficult and often dangerous conditions is a major milestone in my career. But more importantly, it represents a significant recognition of the critical need for high-quality healthcare in the world’s most challenging environments.”

A Pivotal Moment for the Faculty

This appointment marks a pivotal moment for the Faculty of Remote, Rural, and Humanitarian Healthcare, highlighting our dedication to recognising and fostering leadership in healthcare for the most vulnerable and challenging regions of the world.

RCSEd President, Professor Rowan Parks added:

"This 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, and we are proud to celebrate his legacy as a model for current and future leaders in humanitarian healthcare."

A Lifelong Commitment to Humanitarian Healthcare

FRRHH Deputy Chair Lt Col (Rtd.) Andrew W Kent OBE praised Redmond for his contributions to the field, particularly in the establishment and growth of UK-Med. Kent noted that while Redmond recently stepped down as Chair of UK-Med, he remains actively involved in its mission as an ambassador, continuing to raise awareness and funds for the charity’s work. Kent also highlighted Redmond’s recent visit to Ukraine, where he personally toured UK-Med’s operations, despite ongoing health issues from past humanitarian missions:

“Tony’s leadership has been integral in shaping UK-Med into the front-line response organisation it is today. He also played a crucial role in developing the World Health Organisation’s Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) Initiative, which sets global standards for disaster response teams. His expertise is still in high demand by international organisations, and his influence extends far beyond the UK.”

Promoting Education and Advancing Standards

Beyond his fieldwork, Redmond has made a lasting impact through his work in education and training. He was instrumental in developing the Introduction to Humanitarian Healthcare course in partnership with the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. The course, which is freely available online, has garnered widespread interest from healthcare professionals eager to build expertise in delivering medical care in humanitarian contexts.

Redmond’s leadership and dedication to the humanitarian healthcare sector have earned him numerous accolades, including being appointed Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2019 for his services to health support overseas. His appointment as Honorary Fellow of the FRRHH is a fitting recognition of his remarkable career and ongoing commitment to improving global healthcare delivery in crisis situations.

Continuing the Mission

Although Redmond retired from his role as Chair of UK-Med earlier this year, he remains a driving force behind its mission, continuing to promote the organisation’s work and raise vital funds. His extensive involvement in international humanitarian groups, including the WHO’s Emergency Medical Teams Initiative, ensures that his impact on the field will be felt for years to come.

As the FRRHH’s first Honorary Fellow, Redmond joins an esteemed group of professionals whose work has made a lasting difference in the world of remote, rural, and humanitarian healthcare. His appointment is a powerful reminder of the critical importance of healthcare in the world’s most under-served and challenging environments.

 

---