Professor Mahendra G Patel, Pharmacy, and Inclusion and Diversity Lead for PANORAMIC and PRINCIPLE, has been made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to pharmacy.
On Wednesday 12th October, Prof Patel was summoned to Buckingham Palace for his official investiture ceremony with the Princess Royal. This ceremony was of the first investitures to take place under the reign of King Charles II.
Prof Patel said: “This award is not just for me but for all those wonderful people around me, including the organisations and institutions that I have worked with over many years, that have allowed me to help make a difference to many, especially around improving health and health inequalities. I am very grateful, above all, for the support of my family and their perseverance with me.
There are a number of different strands to my work that I’m genuinely proud of, not located to just one specific area of interest and expertise. If I had to single out one piece of work I’m most proud of, it would be the work I’ve been involved with at Oxford.
Coming as a complete stranger from outside into the world’s number one University and research platform, and being able to hold a national role alongside a team of highly skilled and motivated professionals has been incredible. We have one common aim — striving to help make a difference through improving health outcomes, not just in this country, but internationally.
My work at Oxford has introduced me to people who I never would have crossed paths with. This is personally very special and dear to me, and I greatly appreciate how the team has supported me to excel in every aspect of my work. The work continues.”
Mahendra is a Fellow of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) and has been instrumental in ensuring appropriate participant diversity and representation across the PANORAMIC and PRINCIPLE trials. Both trials have been led with a sharp focus on diversity and inclusion, through developing grassroots partnerships with multiple groups within Britain.
The PANORAMIC and PRINCIPLE teams would like to extend their heartfelt congratulations to Mahendra, who is a valued member of both teams.