Rowan Parks
May 13, 2026, 3:00 p.m., Rick Case Arena
Graduate/Professional Ceremony: M.D.
Rowan Parks, M.D., FRCSI, FRCSEd, is a globally respected surgeon, educator, and healthcare leader whose influence spans clinical practice, academic medicine, and international leadership. As immediate past president of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd)—one of the world’s most respected medical institutions—he has helped shape surgical training and professional standards worldwide. He serves as a senior faculty member at the University of Edinburgh Medical School, bringing a perspective on how leadership decisions translate into real-world impact.
During his tenure as president of the Royal College, Parks guided the institution through post‑pandemic recovery and workforce challenges while advancing priorities in surgical education and innovation. He is a professor of surgical sciences and a consultant in hepato‑pancreato‑biliary (HPB) surgery. His academic work is aligned with his clinical practice, focusing on improving patient outcomes through operative technique and perioperative care. He has authored more than 175 papers, contributed to book chapters, and edited multiple textbooks.
Parks is committed to developing the next generation of surgical leaders through education, mentorship, and global collaboration. As RCSEd president, he oversaw the opening of a surgical education research and innovation hub and was an advocate for prioritizing new providers’ surgical training. In 2024, he inducted NSU President Dr. Harry K. Moon into the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. His work with international organizations and training programs across Europe and Africa reflects a belief that high‑quality care depends on strong teams, robust education, and a shared responsibility to patients.