Dame Parveen Kumar, renowned gastroenterologist, medical educator and advocate for women in healthcare, has been awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE), one of the United Kingdom’s highest royal honours, in King Charles III’s 2026 Birthday Honors list.The GBE is the highest rank within the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire and is awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to public life and society. Kumar was recognized for his services to global medical education and health.
Career in medicine and education
Kumar, Professor Emerita of Medicine and Education at Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, part of Queen Mary University of London, has spent decades shaping medical education in the UK and internationally.He is best known as the co-founder and author of Kumar and Clark’s Clinical Medicine, one of the world’s most widely used medical textbooks. The publication has served as a major teaching resource for generations of medical students and health care professionals in many countries.During his career, Kumar has held a number of influential leadership positions in the UK medical community. As Chairman of the Royal Medical Benevolent Fund, he helped raise £100,000 and played a role in setting up a confidential support helpline for doctors facing personal and professional difficulties.He also served as President of the Royal Society of Medicine, where he launched a global health initiative aimed at expanding international cooperation and health care education. At the Royal College of Physicians, he worked as a senior examiner and helped develop educational programs for medical professionals.Now in his early 80s, Kumar is actively involved in health care policy and advocacy. She is co-chair of the British Medical Journal Commission on the Future of the National Health Service and serves as an ambassador for the UK Health Alliance on climate change.
Recognition in the King’s Birthday Honors
The honor was announced as part of King Charles III’s annual Birthday Honors list, which recognizes individuals from the United Kingdom for outstanding contributions to public service, health care, education, business, community work and other fields.This year’s honors list recognized 1,182 people for achievements that have positively impacted communities across the country.