The Ted Shotter Lifetime Achievement Award for Endeavour in Medical Ethics

Ted Shotter Lifetime Achievement for Endeavour in Medical Ethics

The Ted Shotter Medal is a prestigious award celebrating a Lifetime Achievement for Endeavour in Medical Ethics. It was a privilege for Wing-May Kong, Chair of the Institute of Medical Ethics (IME), to present this year’s medal to an esteemed scholar and professional; Professor Richard Huxtable.

Prof. Richard Huxtable is Professor of Medical Medicine and Law at the University of Bristol, and Director of the highly successful Centre for Ethics and Medicine at Bristol since 2015 with a major area of his work being end-of-life law and ethics. Richard has an extraordinary range of international and interdisciplinary collaboratives, has drawn prestigious funding, including the Wellcome Trust, NIHR, European Commission, and the Nuffield Council for Bioethics. Richard’s work has bridged the disciplines of ethics and law, while keeping focus on the needs and interests of patients, and the challenges faced by clinicians.

A Tribute from a Colleague and Friend

Professor Jonathan Ives, Richard’s colleague and friend, was invited to say a few words in recognition of Richard’s contributions:

“It is an honour to speak about my colleague — and I’m proud to say, my friend — Richard Huxtable. Richard has had a profound impact on the lives and careers of countless people and has produced a body of work so extensive that it’s hard to know where to begin.

Let me start with something that captures what I think is most special about his approach to both life and work.

When Richard first heard he would be receiving this award, he thought he had misheard. He was genuinely pleased — and flattered — thinking he’d been asked to present the award to someone else. When he realized the recipient was, in fact, himself, he was stunned. His response was to ask, ‘Why me?’ quickly followed by, ‘Wait — this is a lifetime thing, right? Does that mean I’m old?’

This humility perfectly reflects who Richard is: someone so dedicated to supporting others and advancing the field that he often overlooks his own exceptionalism.

I first met Richard early in my career when we shared an office for a few weeks as visiting scholars at the Ethox Centre. At that time, I’ll admit, I had no idea who he was. But within days of conversation — and, occasionally, a drink or two — I realised he was someone remarkable. Kind, brilliant, generous, and deeply thoughtful.

 

Since joining the University of Bristol in 2016, I’ve seen firsthand how Richard’s presence uplifts everything and everyone around him. He supports, advises, facilitates, forgives when needed — always with a smile and a twinkle in his eye. His playfulness, warmth, and sharp intellect make working with him a joy.

Richard’s scholarship is recognised globally. He’s listened to by governments, cited by judges, and consulted by leading institutions. And yet, he remains grounded, practical, and deeply caring. He is generous in support and kind in critique — rare qualities in academia.

As a teacher, a scholar, and a human being, you’ve inspired and supported so many of us. We, in turn, carry that forward — and that’s your legacy.

For the record, this award doesn’t mean you’re old. It means that even if you stopped today (which we hope you won’t), your impact would already be lasting.

Congratulations, Richard — and please enjoy this moment.”

A Brief History of Ted Shotter

The Very Reverend Edward Shotter transformed the study of medical ethics in the UK in the interests of patients and professionals alike. Ted, who died on 3 July 2019 is recognised for three major contributions in Medical Ethics. Ted’s First contribution was founding the London Medical Group (LMG) in 1963, establishing medical groups in all of the UK medical schools. In the 1970’s, Ted’s second contribution, was creating our charity known as The Institute of Medical Ethics (IME), previously known as the Society for the Study of Medical Ethics (IME).

The IME today supports and promotes teaching, learning, research and publication in the medical ethics arena around the world. The IME also facilitates grants, with thanks in large to its co-ownership with the British Medical Association. This leads nicely to Teds thirds major contribution in founding the Journal of Medical Ethics, one of the most widely read and cited journals in its field.

Ted Shotter is remembered by friends and colleagues for his unfailing warmth, his gentle wisdom and extraordinary courage. He brought a very modern conception of leadership that was decades ahead of its time.