London, UK- November 2024—Prof Sonia Kumar has been appointed the Founding Executive Dean of Medicine at St Mary’s University, London (SMU). Prof Kumar joins St Mary’s from the University of Leeds, where Sonia is Associate Dean of Community Engagement and Professor of Medical Education. Sonia has over twenty years of experience as a GP and educationalist, specialising in community-based health and education for the benefit of society.

Before joining the University of Leeds, Prof Kumar had an award-winning tenure as the Director of Undergraduate Primary Care Education at Imperial College London, including the prestigious Presidents Medal for Outstanding Contribution to Teaching Excellence at Imperial and the CATE collaborative team award from AdvanceHE.

Speaking of her appointment, St Mary’s Vice-Chancellor Prof Anthony McClaran said, “We are delighted that Prof Kumar will be joining us here at St Mary’s as the Founding Executive Dean of Medicine. This is an exciting initiative and strategic priority for the University, which is aligned to our mission to be a forward-thinking university tackling the challenges of the 21st century.”

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Prof Sonia Kumar said, “I feel hugely honoured to take on this founding role to lead the new School of Medicine. I am immensely proud and privileged to be part of this significant moment in St Mary’s history, bringing my shared values, vision and experience to serve our colleagues, students and most importantly our society.”

Furthermore, The School of Medicine at St Mary’s, which will welcome its first cohort in September 2026, will train students to be complete doctors, integrating medical expertise, compassionate care, and ethical practice. The latest medical curriculum will teach students in bespoke new facilities, using cutting-edge technology and diverse placements.