Statement on the Passing of Sir Terence English KBE FRCS FRCP

With great sadness, we share the news that Sir Terence English KBE FRCS FRCP, President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England from 1989 to 1992, has died. Sir Terence was a pioneering cardiac surgeon whose leadership and vision transformed surgical practice in the UK and beyond. 
 
Sir Terence is best known for leading the team that performed Britain’s first successful heart transplant at Papworth Hospital in 1979, a landmark achievement that paved the way for the development of one of Europe’s leading heart and lung transplant programmes.   

His distinguished career included serving as President of the British Medical Association, Master of St Catharine’s College, Cambridge, and holding numerous international honorary fellowships. He was knighted in 1991 for his outstanding contributions to medicine and surgery. 
 
Reflecting on his legacy, Mr Tim Mitchell, current President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, said: 

“This is incredibly sad news for all of us who were privileged to work alongside, and to know, Sir Terence.  He was an extraordinary surgeon and leader whose pioneering work in cardiac transplantation changed countless lives. His commitment to innovation and excellence exemplifies the very best of our profession.  
 
“Sir Terence’s achievements will continue to inspire generations of surgeons. On behalf of the College and its members, I extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends: he will be deeply missed.”  
 
Sir Terence’s contributions to surgical science and patient care remain a cornerstone of modern practice. The College will continue to honour his memory and celebrate a life dedicated to advancing medicine for the benefit of patients everywhere. 

Sir Terence gave an interview to the College, published in 2015, in which he reflected on his extraordinary career.