The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow has awarded Honorary Fellowships to four distinguished leaders for their work in medicine, surgery and commitment to civic life.
At a Diploma Ceremony on Wednesday 30 September, the College awarded Honorary Fellowships to: Professor Mohammed Lotayef, Executive President of the Egyptian Health Council; Professor Andrew Elder, a geriatrician and Immediate Past President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh; Professor John McMurray, an internationally renowned cardiologist based at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow; and Reverend Mark E Johnstone, Minister of Glasgow Cathedral.
Speaking at the Diploma Ceremony, College President Professor Hany Eteiba said:
"It is my great honour and privilege to welcome these distinguished individuals to our College community and to confer upon them the highest recognition our College can bestow. This award acknowledges their exceptional contributions to medicine, surgery and society.
"Each of our Honorary Fellows has made a profound impact in their field, advancing research, improving patient care and supporting individuals. Despite their remarkable achievements, they have never lost sight of the person behind the diagnosis. Their commitment to compassionate care reflects a value that lies at the very heart of our College."
Professor Mohammed Lotayef
Professor Mohamed Mostafa Lotayef (pictured below) has served as Executive President of the Egyptian Health Council since December 2022. A graduate of Cairo University’s Faculty of Medicine, he earned a master's degree in Oncology and a PhD in Radiation Oncology. He trained at
Mount Vernon Hospital and the Gray Laboratory in the UK and has published more than 30 scientific papers in oncology.
Previously, he served as Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Egyptian Public Universities and Dean of the National Cancer Institute, Cairo University. During his leadership, he helped advance cancer services, treatment policies and patient care across Egypt.
As President of the Egyptian Health Council, he oversees initiatives to strengthen healthcare education, professional standards and clinical training across medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, physiotherapy and veterinary medicine, supporting the development of Egypt’s healthcare workforce.
Professor Andrew Elder
Professor Andrew Elder (pictured below) is Immediate Past President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh and was the first geriatrician to hold the role (2020-2026). A graduate of Edinburgh Medical School, he was appointed an NHS consultant in 1993 and Honorary Professor at the University of Edinburgh in 2015.
Professor Elder has held several influential leadership positions, including Medical Director of MRCP(UK), Chair of the UK Academy of Medical Royal Colleges Assessment Committee, and Chair of the Scottish Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and Faculties. He has held visiting appointments at Stanford University and Johns Hopkins University and is internationally recognised for his expertise in teaching and assessing clinical skills.
Awarded an OBE in 2026 and Mastership of the American College of Physicians in 2021, he is a strong advocate for compassionate, patient-centred medical education.
Professor John McMurray
Professor of Medical Cardiology and honorary Consultant Cardiologist at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow. Professor John McMurray (pictures below) is an internationally recognised leader in cardiovascular medicine and has held senior roles with the European Society of Cardiology, including President of the Heart Failure Association and membership of guideline task forces.
A highly cited researcher with an H-index exceeding 200, Professor McMurray has contributed extensively to heart failure research, clinical guidelines and medical publishing. He serves on the editorial boards of leading journals and has helped shape diversity and gender policies in cardiovascular research.
His honours include an honorary OBE (2019), the European Society of Cardiology Gold Medal (2020), the Mackenzie Medal and the Louis and Artur Lucian Award, recognising his outstanding contributions to cardiovascular medicine.
Reverand Mark E Johnstone
Reverand Mark Edward Johnstone (pictured below) was born in Glasgow in 1968 and studied Social Sciences and Divinity at the University of Glasgow. Following ministry placements across the city, he was ordained in 1993 and began his ministry in Falkirk, where he also served as a hospital and hospice chaplain.
In 1999, Mark was called to Northminster United Church in Toronto, gaining experience in a multicultural setting. He returned to Scotland in 2000 to serve St Mary's Kirkintilloch for 18 years, during which he was appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire and held a number of national leadership roles within the Church of Scotland and the charitable sector.
Since 2019, Mark has served as Minister of Glasgow Cathedral, combining congregational ministry with civic engagement and chaplaincy responsibilities across the city.
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