College announces 2026 John Munro and Chiron Medal Winners

College announces 2026 John Munro and Chiron Medal Winners

The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (“the College”) is pleased to announce the winners of two of its annual awards, the John Munro and Chiron medals. These medals are awarded for excellence in teaching and training by doctors in training or Specialist, Associate Specialist and Specialty doctors (SAS), and excellence in teaching and training by physicians respectively. The John Munro Medal will be presented to Dr Munzir Malik at a Diploma Ceremony on Friday 4th December. The Chiron Medal will be awarded to Professor Vassilios Vassiliou at the College’s St Andrews Day Symposium on Thursday 26th November. 

Dr Munzir Malik, who will receive the John Munro medal, is a Higher Specialty Trainee in Acute Internal Medicine/General Internal Medicine (ST4) working at Wrexham Maelor Hospital in North Wales. Dr Malik has made an outstanding contribution to medical education through many initiatives including designing and embedding a structured ECG interpretation programme for Foundation Doctors. He leads the Acute Medical Unit’s weekly multidisciplinary teaching and established a sustainable departmental MRCP PACES programme, engaging consultants across specialties to deliver regular bedside teaching. Founder of POCUSWales.com, a free, non-commercial, case-based ultrasound education platform, and pioneer of a free Internal Medicine Training preparation seminar, Dr Malik is an effective mentor of junior colleagues and is committed to widening access and providing pastoral support.

Professor Vassilios Vassiliou, who will be awarded the Chiron medal, is Professor of Cardiac Medicine and Consultant Cardiologist at the University of East Anglia and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. As Deputy Cardiology Training Programme Director he oversees some 60 registrars across Cambridge, Norwich and Basildon and runs ten regional training days annually. He directs Norwich’s NIHR Integrated Academic Training programme- where he has grown substantially the number of Clinical Academic Fellows-, supervises PhD and MSc students and teaches undergraduates and allied health professionals. He established the UK’s first high-fidelity cadaveric cardiology simulation course and is a leading cardiovascular imaging researcher, co-chairing the EAPC Certification Subcommittee. Prof Vassiliou is respected by peers and students alike for his supervisory record and for personally creating a supportive culture in which constructive feedback is routine and trainees develop confidence and independence. 

Commenting Professor Mark Strachan, President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, said:

The College warmly congratulates Dr Malik and Professor Vassiliou on winning these medals. Both are passionate about the quality of teaching and training and committed to supporting students and trainees. They have both made significant contributions to medical education in the areas in which they work and have inspired many pursuing medical training. 

We are delighted to be able to showcase some of the many examples of best practice in teaching and training delivered by clinicians across the UK through our John Munro and Chiron medals. We will continue to seek to promote and encourage the high-quality teaching and training which is of such fundamental importance to our future medical workforce.