(13/12/74 – 06/06/25)
09 June 2025
We are profoundly saddened by the loss of our friend and colleague, Professor Neil Smart. He was a giant of our specialty who had an unparalleled global impact and will be sorely missed by so many around the world. He was an inspiration, not only as an extraordinary surgeon, brilliant academic and Editor in Chief of Colorectal Disease but as a kind mentor, supportive friend and champion for our patients.
Neil’s incredible contributions to colorectal surgery, academia, and the lives of his trainees, colleagues and the wider colorectal community have left an enduring legacy. He had an exceptional ability to make those around him feel heard, valued and empowered. He gave his time generously and was always a source of wise words with impeccable judgement, encouraging support and infectious enthusiasm. His insatiable appetite for coloproctology and research never wavered, driven by his desire to improve the care for our patients. He was a true role model in our field and a remarkable personality who was deeply loved.
ACPGBI are indebted to Neil for his visionary leadership as Editor in Chief of Colorectal Disease. His editorial prowess took the journal from strength to strength, not only driving up standards in academic surgery but also creating international collaborations to improve the lives of patients. His passion and dedication for academic surgery shaped the journal, the direction of coloproctology and touched the lives of innumerable friends, colleagues and patients. ACPGBI were privileged to present him with the Geoff Oates medal, our highest honour in recognition for substantial contributions to coloproctology. A richly deserved award given in exceptional circumstances.
As we mourn his loss, we are immensely grateful for the time that we shared with Neil but also for the phenomenal impact that he has made. His presence will be fondly remembered by our community and he will never be forgotten. ACPGBI will formally honour his legacy so that patients and clinicians will continue to benefit from his contribution, and we will announce plans for this in due course. Our thoughts are with his wife, son, family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
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