Rita Cecily Walker

Rita Cecily Walker (née Travers) was inspired to pursue a career in medicine while having corrective hand surgery as a child. She was academically gifted and, having been awarded a scholarship to St Mary’s Hospital, London, went on to win several medical school prizes. She took a year out to complete a BSc before continuing with her clinical studies towards her eventual qualification.

After house jobs at King Edward Memorial Hospital in Ealing and various other hospital appointments, Rita did two years as a trainee general practitioner in 1965-6. She then returned to hospital medicine and spent the next four years in middle grade posts, gaining experience in the specialty of geriatric medicine. In 1970 she was appointed consultant physician in geriatric medicine to the Romford Hospital Group, at the age of 37. Rita spent 28 fulfilling years in this post before she retired at the age of 65. She was highly regarded by patients and colleagues alike, and in 1984 she was nominated for FRCP, an accolade of which she was justifiably proud.

Outside medicine Rita had a keen interest in law, which she studied at evening classes, ultimately becoming qualified as a barrister at law in 1979, although she was never to practise professionally. (She did, however, use her knowledge to help stage a mock trial for the benefit of colleagues called to testify at the Old Bailey).

Predeceased by her husband, Eric, in 1982, Rita leaves two children—William and Eva—and three granddaughters.