Professor Nick Linker who worked as a consultant cardiologist at The James Cook University Hospital for over 25 years was recognised for his services to people with heart disease.
He was awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) by Prince William on Tuesday 18 March.
Nick said:
It is a great honour to receive such a prestigious award and I think it reflects the amount of work the NHS has done for patients with heart disease.
“To be invited to Windsor Castle to meet Prince William and talk about heart disease was really special and a day I will never forget.”
Professor Linker dedicated 25 years of his career treating patients with heart disease before retiring in February 2024.
Mike Stewart, group chief medical officer for University Hospitals Tees said:
“We are immensely proud to have had Nick as part of our workforce for over 25 years and are delighted to hear his contributions to heart disease have been awarded with an MBE.
Nick has had such a positive impact on so many lives and continues to be an inspiration to us all."
An inspirational career
Alongside his role as a consultant cardiologist, Nick was the national clinical director for heart disease for NHS England during the Covid-19 pandemic from 2019 to 2024 and chair of the Cardiac Services Clinical Reference Group.
He was also the medical director for global heart charity, Arrhythmia Alliance.
Trudie C A Lobban, founder of Arrhythmia Alliance said: “I have known Nick since 2004 and worked closely with him through the charity.
“First and foremost, he puts the patient first – the same ethos as Arrhythmia Alliance.
“Nick stands by this ethos and has worked diligently to achieve this – firstly with his own patients, then as a medical director and trustee of Arrhythmia Alliance and then as programme director of Heart Rhythm Congress for many years.
He listens, he thinks and then he acts and never fails to offer his support, advice and wisdom.
“Even in retirement he continues to support the patient voice and influence policy makers and fellow clinicians to improve pathways and outcomes to the benefit of all those living with heart rhythm disorders.”
Professor Linker is also an honorary professor at Teesside University where he lectures and examines on arrhythmias and syncope.