St. George’s University School of Medicine clinical dean Rodney Croft was honored with this year’s Distinguished Service Award after 43 years with the university, 20 of which he served as dean of clinical studies in the UK.
The award is given to members of faculty and those in the community in recognition of their outstanding service to the University. Mr. Croft retired on March 1.
“I want to express my sincerest appreciation to Mr. Croft for the remarkable service to St. George’s University School of Medicine,” said Dr. Marios Loukas, dean of the School of Medicine. “Mr. Croft made many significant contributions to furthering our MD program in the UK. I am grateful for his leadership there, most notably as dean of clinical studies.”
Early years
Mr. Croft’s journey started with a bachelor’s degree from Cambridge University back in 1965. He earned his qualification (MB BCHIR) in 1968 and his Master of Arts the following year (MA Cantab). Mr. Croft then became a fellow of The Royal College of Surgeons of England in 1972, received his Master of Surgery (MChir Cantab) in 1982, and went on to proudly become a fellow of The American College of Surgeons in 1984.
During his tenure as a consultant general and vascular surgeon at North Middlesex University Hospital, Mr. Croft’s dedication and expertise shone as he became the foremost authority in cardiovascular implants within the UK. His influential role included crafting standards for prestigious international bodies such as CEN, the European Committee for Standardization, and the International Organization for Standardization. His commitment to excellence was acknowledged with a commendable long service award from the British Standard Institute.
Mr. Croft possesses extensive familiarity with London Medical School education, having previously been the clinical sub-dean at The Royal Free and University College Hospital Medical School in London. Furthermore, he played an active role on The Royal Free Medical School Council for a commendable nine-year period.
A long tenure at SGU
With a background as a consultant general and vascular surgeon in London, Mr. Croft has dedicated an impressive 43 years to undergraduate medical education at St. George’s University School of Medicine. Notably, he served as the dean of clinical studies of the UK program for an uninterrupted span of 20 years. His role included overseeing clinical faculty at SGU’s 17 UK-affiliated hospitals and clinics in training a considerable number of students from the Commonwealth to become skilled medical professionals.
His past SGU roles have included clerkship director, director of medical education, and UK chair of the SOM Department of Surgery.
“From the entire SGU community, my heartfelt congratulations to Rodney for this esteemed accolade and on his retirement,” Dr. Loukas said.
-Laurie Chartorynsky
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