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It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Professor R M Dominic Meek, BSc, MBChB, MD, FRCS (Tr & Orth), who died peacefully on 1 October 2026, aged 60, following a courageous battle with a prolonged illness.
A distinguished academic, a world-class orthopaedic surgeon, and a former premier rugby player, Professor Meek leaves behind an indelible mark on the international medical community and the lives of countless patients and colleagues.
Born on 1 May 1966, Professor Meek was educated at The Glasgow Academy before matriculating at the University of Glasgow to pursue his medical studies, graduating with his MBChB in 1990 and later receiving his Doctorate of Medicine (MD) in 1997.
In his youth, he balanced his academic rigorousness with a formidable rugby career, playing as a prominent forward for Glasgow Accies and later providing medical and pitch-side support for the Glasgow Hawks.
Professionally, Professor Meek was a leading luminary in trauma and orthopaedic surgery. As a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow and an Honorary Professor at the University of Glasgow, his clinical expertise focused on complex adult hip reconstruction, primary and revision arthroplasty, and hip resurfacing.
His pioneering research into nanotechnology and bone regeneration advanced the global understanding of implant longevity and patient outcomes.
Professor Meek served the profession with immense distinction across numerous esteemed academic, clinical, and international bodies:
• International training and fellowships: He completed a prestigious, career-defining international clinical fellowship in adult lower limb reconstruction at Vancouver General Hospital and the University of British Columbia, learning from world-renowned experts and bringing cutting-edge complex joint arthroplasty techniques back to Scotland.
• Academic leadership: He served as the Clinical Director of Orthopaedics for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and was the former Clinical Lead for the Glasgow Orthopaedic Research Society (GLORI), which he co-founded in 2009 to drive fundamental science research at the University of Glasgow.
• Research societies: He was the President of the West of Scotland Orthopaedic Research Society and an active member of both the British Orthopaedic Research Society, the European Hip Society, and the International Hip Society.
• National roles: Selected as both a British and American Hip Societies Travelling Fellow (2005) and an ABC Fellow (2008), he went on to serve as President of the British Hip Society and an elected BOA Trustee and Council Member for the British Orthopaedic Association.
• Royal College and editorial contributions: He was a deeply valued Fellow and active contributor to our College, where his clinical wisdom shaped the training of generations of surgical peers. He also advanced medical literature globally as a dedicated specialty editor for the Bone and Joint Journal.
Despite his global academic stature and exceptional technical brilliance, Professor Meek was defined above all by his profound humanity. Known to many as a "gentle giant", he was celebrated for his absolute humility, unyielding patience, and deep-seated empathy for his patients and junior staff alike.
He is survived by his wife, Judith; his four children, Rachel, Rory, Pippa, and Jonny; his son-in-law, Oisin; and his mother, Elizabeth.
His passing leaves a great void within the College, the wider orthopaedic fraternity, and the rugby community, but his standard of excellence, kindness, and dedication will continue to inspire for generations to come.