Born in Syria in 1953 Ian Ritchie was schooled in Lochaber High School, Gordon schools, Huntly and University of Aberdeen, graduating MBChB (1977). After a period as a non-commissioned officer in the Royal Navy, he entered orthopaedic surgical training. He was appointed as.Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon, Forth Valley Health Board in 1992. He became Vice President and President of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (2009-2015).
Mr Ritchie made a substantial contributions to surgical education at Scottish, UK, and international levels, notably in establishing the “Training the Trainers” course. As director of surgical training in RCSEd and non-executive director of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board, he helped shape policy in NHSScotland. One of many major contributions was rationalisation and design of a major trauma network for Scotland which he established in conjunction with Scottish Government and which has been implemented to the benefit of patients with in Scotland. He was chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and Faculties in Scotland (2013-15) and chair of the Health and Social Care Physical Activity Delivery Group for the Scottish Government.
He has also made substantial contributions to supporting the surgical educational institutions of low and middle income countries, notably in East Africa and Malaysia. He helped promote contemporary assessment methodology as well as teaching and learning resources in these institutions.
Biography prepared from the nomination made by Prof G G Youngson to the University of Aberdeen 525 Alumni project.
