Death of Professor Peter Howie

Peter was one of Scotland's most distinguished and highly respected clinicians. He retired from the University in 2002.

At his retiral, Professor Sir Alan Langlands, then Principal of the University, described Peter’s contribution as "enormous" and referred to his "rare combination of compassion and empiricism" and added. “I think it would be fair to say that he has contributed more to the development of effective young clinicians in Scotland over the past few years than any single other person."

Professor Howie came to Dundee as Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in 1981.

By 1990 he had been elected to become Dean of what was then the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry and had a major role in driving the direction of the medical school. He was instrumental in establishing the Medical Research Institute and also helped review the medical curriculum.

He also led the bid to bring nursing and midwifery training to the university.

He became Deputy Principal in 1995, a post he held until retiral.

Professor Howie went on to lead the local charity Tenovus, which has contributed millions of pounds to medical research and he also chaired the Mathew and Leng Trusts.

As a member of the Dow Trust, he helped ensure its financial support for the medical school’s clinical simulation centre.

Peter was also heavily involved with the Ninewells Cancer Campaign and was credited as the man who came up with the slogan “Help Dennis Beat the Menace” for the campaign, which has raised millions of pounds for research and treatment.

Peter was given an honorary degree by the University in 2012. He was elected to Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1991

Peter attended the High School of Glasgow then University of Glasgow Medical School, graduating MBChB in 1963.

Among his many other appointments he was chairman of WHO task force, member of General Medical Council, member of MRC Systems Board and Chair of Scottish Cancer Co-ordinating Advisory Committee.