Carol M. Black DBE, FRCP, FMedSci.

Professor Dame Carol Black is the National Director for Health and Work, Chairman of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and Chairman of the Nuffield Trust, and maintains a deep interest in both the clinical and research aspects of connective tissue diseases.

She first read history at Bristol University followed by a diploma in medical social work.  She entered medical school as a mature student in Bristol qualifying in 1970.

She trained in Bristol with Professor Alan Read, Professor of Medicine and soon found that Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Disorders were to become her enduring interest.  Out of her clinical work sprang a research interest in Systemic Sclerosis, a disorder for which little could then be done.  Her unit at the Royal Free Hospital became the major centre for clinical care and research in Europe and is internationally renowned.  In 2002 Dame Carol was awarded the CBE for her work in this field and in 2005 she was awarded the DBE for her services to Medicine.

In addition to being Professor of Rheumatology at the Centre for Rheumatology in the Royal Free & University College Medical School, Dame Carol developed an interest in medical management and was Medical Director at the Royal Free Hospital between 2000-2002. Dame Carol was elected to the Council of Royal College of Physicians in 1996 and elected Clinical Vice President in 1999.  In 2002 she was elected President of the Royal College of Physicians; a post she stepped down from in July 2006.

Dame Carol enjoys long distance walking, running, music, especially opera, reading and travel.