Narendra Patel, Baron Patel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Patel
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| Chancellor of the University of Dundee |
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| In office 2006–2017 |
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| Preceded by | Sir James Black |
| Succeeded by | Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell |
| Member of the House of Lords Lord Temporal |
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| Assumed office 1 March 1999 Life peerage |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 11 May 1938 Lindi, Tanganyika (now Tanzania) |
| Political party | None (crossbencher) |
| Spouse | Helen Dally |
| Alma mater | University of St Andrews (Queen's College, now University of Dundee) |
| Profession | Obstetrician |
Lord Narendra Babubhai Patel, also known as Baron Patel, was born on May 11, 1938. He is a doctor from Tanzania and Britain who specializes in helping pregnant women and babies. He is also a member of the House of Lords, which is part of the UK Parliament. Lord Patel led the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists from 1995 to 1998. He was also the head of the University of Dundee from 2006 to 2017.
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Lord Patel's Early Life and Education
Lord Patel was born in Lindi, which was then called Tanganyika. This area is now part of Tanzania. He was born on May 11, 1938. His parents were Indian immigrants from the Gujarati people.
He studied medicine at Queen's College, which was part of the University of St Andrews. This college is now the University of Dundee. He finished his medical studies in 1964.
Becoming a Doctor
After graduating, Lord Patel worked at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee for over thirty years. In 1974, he became a consultant obstetrician. This means he was a senior doctor specializing in childbirth and women's health during pregnancy.
He was very interested in helping women with difficult pregnancies. He also focused on babies born too early or those not growing well. Lord Patel also worked to improve health standards in hospitals.
Lord Patel's Career and Leadership Roles
Lord Patel became a Member of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in 1969. He later became a Fellow in 1988. This shows his high level of skill and experience in his field.
In 1999, he was also chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. This is a very respected group for experts in Scotland.
Leading Medical Organizations
Lord Patel held important leadership roles in medical groups. He was the Chairman of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges of Scotland from 1994 to 1995. He then led the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges of the UK from 1996 to 1998.
From 1995 to 1998, he was the President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Before that, he served as Honorary Secretary and Vice-President.
Work with Attend Charity
Lord Patel was also involved with the charity Attend. This organization helps people who volunteer in healthcare. He was the vice president from 2012 to 2014. Since 2014, he has been the president of Attend.
Honours and Special Recognition
Lord Patel has received many special awards and honours for his work. In 1997, he was given a knighthood by the Queen. This meant he could be called "Sir Narendra Patel."
Becoming a Lord
On March 1, 1999, he was made a life peer. This means he became a member of the House of Lords for the rest of his life. He was given the title Baron Patel, of Dunkeld.
In the House of Lords, he has been a Vice-President of groups focused on maternity services and infertility services. He also led the Stem Cell Steering Committee. He has been a member of the Science and Technology committee since joining the House of Lords.
Chancellor of the University of Dundee
In 2006, Lord Patel was chosen to be the Chancellor of the University of Dundee. This is a very important role, like being the ceremonial head of the university. During his time as Chancellor, he gave special honorary degrees to Baroness Cox and Professor Anna Glasier. He served as Chancellor until 2017.
Other Awards and Degrees
Lord Patel has received many honorary fellowships from medical groups around the world. These include groups in America, Canada, and Australia. He also has honorary degrees from several universities. These degrees recognize his great contributions to medicine and education.
Order of the Thistle
On November 30, 2009, Queen Elizabeth II gave Lord Patel a very special honour. He was appointed to the Order of the Thistle. This is the highest honour a person can receive in Scotland. It is second only to the Order of the Garter in the whole UK.
The Order of the Thistle recognizes Scottish men and women who have done great things for their country. Lord Patel was the first person of Asian background to receive this honour in its 322-year history. The Queen officially presented him with the Order on June 9, 2010, at Buckingham Palace.
Supporting Maternal Health
Lord Patel is also a patron of SafeHands for Mothers. This is a UK charity that works to improve the health of mothers and newborn babies. They do this by creating educational films.
Coronation of King Charles III
On May 6, 2023, Lord Patel took part in the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. During the ceremony, he had the important role of presenting the Coronation Ring to the King.
