Philip Poole-Wilson
BMJ 2009; 338 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.b1639 (Published 21 April 2009) Cite this as: BMJ 2009;338:b1639- Tom Treasure
Philip Poole-Wilson was appointed in 1976 at the age of 33 to the National Heart Hospital as a senior lecturer and cardiologist. He was later involved in the merger of The Heart Hospital with the Brompton in Chelsea and the unification of the renamed National Heart and Lung Institute in 1988. The history of the specialist hospitals, institutes, and medical schools in London was characterised by closures and amalgamations during Philip’s professional lifetime.
Leading a reformation
In 1997 he was the first head of the division of heart and lung in the newly formed Imperial College School of Medicine. During this time of change at home he was also leading a reformation in the European Society of Cardiology and was its president from 1994-1996. In 2003 he became president of the World Heart Federation and involved himself in prevention of heart disease in the developing world. He was not considered a natural politician, but he could rise to the occasion with great effect.
Basic scientists knew a very different side. Philip engaged them with unrestrained enthusiasm, curiosity, intelligence, and an uncanny ability to ask the question that might redirect thought. He had a talent …
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