Indian-origin doctor receives honorary fellowship in UK

London: An Indian-origin doctor has receivedthe honorary fellowship by one of the leading British Universities for his contribution to the community as a general practitioner and medical educator.

77-year-old Shiv Pande has been awarded an honorary fellowship of the University of Central Lancashire. "Rarely has a medical doctor achieved so much in so many areas, not only within his own profession, but also in our broader community.

"As a dedicated medical practitioner, tireless charity campaigner, accomplished broadcaster and distinguished academic, Shiv Pande MBE represents a superb role model for any citizen of multicultural Britain," said Michael Thomas, University's Vice Chancellor.

"I have enjoyed working as National Health Service General Practitioner, Justice of Peace, Broadcaster, charity worker all these years.

"My work at General Medical Council took me a lot to London but happy to say as a past Treasurer of GMC, I was quietly pleased when we all at GMC decided to move it's office and majority of work to Northwest in Manchester," Pande, who is also a member of the Indian Journalists Association, said.

Pande was presented the award at Preston Guildhall by The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) to commemorate his lifelong help for local people but previously received an MBE from the Queen in 1989 for his community work, the University said in a statement.

An Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) is awarded by the Queen for a significant achievement or outstanding service to the community.

Born and educated in India, Pande obtained his MBBS and Ms (General Surgery) degrees in India before moving to the UK in 1971 where he worked in cardio-thoracic surgery at London Chest Hospital, Broad Green Hospital and Fazakerley Hospital, Liverpool until 1974.

In 1975 he entered general practice, eventually retiring in 2005 after 30 years.