Published: 13 July 2021
It is with great sadness that we report the death of our previous Principal, Professor Peter Kopelman.
Professor Kopelman’s association with St George’s, University of London began when he studied medicine here as an undergraduate, and in a long and distinguished career became its Principal (2008 to 2015).
Prior to his appointment at St George's, he was Vice-Principal of Queen Mary, University of London.
He was an outstanding supporter of St George’s for many years, receiving an honorary Doctor of Science degree in 2017.
Principal Professor Jenny Higham said:
“Peter was a loyal friend of St George's and our community is deeply saddened by his passing. I last saw Peter here at the university at the opening of our Curve lecture theatre in February 2020. Looking back, it was a treasured opportunity to talk again about our experiences in the role of Principal. Our thoughts are with his family and all those who knew Peter well.”
Professor Andy Kent, Dean of Joint Faculty with Kingston, University of London said:
“I will always remember Peter with great affection. He had an easy charm and a warm sense of humour, and that enviable capacity to make whomever he was talking to feel the centre of his world. He was always terrific company, with many stories to tell. Stand out memories include watching him impersonate Rocky running up the steps of Philadelphia’s Museum of Modern Art in his pinstripe suit during a break from negotiations with Thomas Jefferson University. It is with huge sadness that I learnt of his death. My thoughts are very much with Peter’s wife Sue, herself a huge friend to St George’s over many years, and their children, of whom Peter was so very proud.”
Professor Kopelman had a long-standing interest in diabetes care and initiated a district-wide scheme for integrated care in East London. He was active in health policy, medical education and research.
Professor Kopelman was chair or deputy chair of several national university committees and a member of NHS national policy and workforce committees.
He chaired the Clinical Examining Board of the Royal College of Physicians, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society Faculty and Education Board and Health Education England’s Oversight Board for Medical Associate Practitioners.
Professor Kopelman’s major research interest was in the field of obesity, in particular endocrine aspects and possible genetic determinants. He was also interested in the pathophysiology of associated complications and their management.
He was a past chairman of the Association for the Study of Obesity, President of the European Association for the Study of Obesity, a Trustee of the International Association for the Study of Obesity and a member of the Department of Health and Food Standards Agency Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition.
He was also a member of the Chief Medical Officer’s Working Group on physical activity. He was chair of the Royal College of Physicians Committee on Nutrition and chaired the College’s Working Party on the management of obesity with particular reference to drug therapy. He also chaired the Royal College of Physicians’ Working Party on nutritional care of patients that resulted in the publication of a report entitled Nutrition and Patients – a Doctor’s Responsibility.