Director of Health Equality and Inclusion, Dr Ruw Abeyratne, has been awarded the title of Honorary Professor in the College of Life Sciences by the University of Leicester (UoL).
This status is awarded to people who make significant and regular contributions to the university’s activities, at a level equivalent to that of a professor.
The honorary title for Ruw was confirmed after an assessment process conducted by a UoL panel. Factors considered by the panel include outstanding professional achievement; recognition of the candidate as a leading expert within the relevant field; and unique contributions in their area of expertise.
Ruw, who joined University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust (UHL) in June 2022, is the Trust’s first-ever director for health equality and inclusion, and chairs the UHL Health Equality Partnership. She leads on identifying and addressing health inequalities, working with colleagues across the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care System, academic partners, local government and local communities to ensure that UHL’s services are inclusive and accessible. In addition to her strategic leadership, Ruw is a practising consultant in geriatric and general medicine.
Dr Ruw Abeyratne said: “I would like to express my deep thanks to colleagues at the University of Leicester, who have welcomed and supported me since I joined UHL three years ago.
“I am committed to working in partnership to address health inequalities for the people of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and beyond, and hopeful that by working together, we can see progress.”
Professor Jacqui Shaw, Deputy Head of the College of Life Sciences at UoL, said: “We were delighted to recommend the award of the honorary title of professor for Ruw, based on her outstanding academic achievements, and national and local leadership in health equality and inclusion. Ruw is an inspiring Citizen of Change.”