Professor Yvonne H. Carter OBE DL MD FRCGP FMedSci - June winner
The remarkable career and achievements of Professor Yvonne Carter have already been widely recognised throughout the medical and academic world; today we are honoured that she has been able to join us as we pay tribute to these achievements and her unique contribution to our city over the past few years.
Yvonne is Dean of Warwick Medical School, Pro-Vice Chancellor at the University of Warwick and Vice Chair of University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust - combining these important roles, until very recently, with that of a working GP in one of the most deprived parts of the city.
In 2000 she received an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List for services to health service research, and during her career she has been awarded research grants and contracts for around £10million; has been a member of, or chaired, committees awarding funding for academic careers in health; and published many important research papers that have furthered our understanding of key areas of medical health. In May she was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for the County of the West Midlands.
She was also the winner of the science award at the 2006 Confederation of British Industry Real Business First Women Awards - receiving the award for making her mark in the upper reaches of medicine.
Yvonne is a magnificent ambassador for Coventry, helping to raise its profile through the national and international reputation of the University of Warwick Medical School and the many other roles she holds in the region. Her work as a local GP has brought her into contact with hundreds of Coventry people who love and respect her for her skills, knowledge and the way she has cared for them over the past few years.
She is a tremendous role model for us all, but especially, perhaps, to other women. Yvonne's energy and commitment have helped her to become a leader in her field in the competitive areas of medical and academic research - and combine this with a happy family life and making an important contribution to her local community - even during illness.
Coventry is lucky to count her as a citizen of the city. She is a very special citizen, and we are delighted to be able to recognise this contribution officially today.