HM The Queen has appointed Professor James Hutchison to the Regius Chair of Surgery at the University of Aberdeen.
Professor Hutchison (44) has been the Sir Harry Platt Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University since 1995, and is also presently Acting Head of Department. He will take up his new post from January 1, 2000.
A native of Dundee, he attended Dundee High School and graduated in medicine from the University of Dundee in 1979. He became a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 1984, and completed his PhD studies at the University of Aberdeen in 1988. Between 1983 and 1991, Professor Hutchison held a variety of clinical and academic posts both in Edinburgh and Aberdeen. From 1991 to 1995, he was a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Orthopaedics at the University of Aberdeen. He is an Honorary Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in the Grampian University Hospitals NHS Trust.
Professor Hutchison has taught and published widely throughout his career, while also contributing notably to NHS management. His extensive research, with other members of the Bone Group, has attracted a significant number of grants and has four main themes: the basic science of bone, fracture healing, hip fractures and hip replacements. In each area, projects are underway.
In addition to his academic and medical responsibilities, Professor Hutchison has undertaken a number of administrative roles at both a national and local level and is currently Speciality Adviser to the Chief Medical Officer in Scotland. He is also Chairman of the Scottish Committee for Orthopaedics and Trauma. He holds membership of a variety of professional associations and has contributed to several working parties.
Professor Hutchison has also held a number of external advisory roles and has served on a number of committees for the University, the British Orthopaedic Association, and the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Furthermore, in a charitable role, he has contributed to the local organisation of the Great Hip & Knee Walk (The Wishbone Trust) on four occasions since 1983, raising more than £148,000.
Professor Hutchison is married to Kate and has three children. He maintains a variety of outside interests, including art, golf and curling.