Chris Bulstrode

Christopher John Kent Bulstrode CBE (1951–2023) was a British academic and professor at Green Templeton College, Oxford University.

Early life and education

Christopher Bulstrode was born on 5 January 1951 in Guernsey, to radiologist John and Jacqueline Bulstrode. He attended Radley College following his early education at Cheam School, where he notably interacted with the future King Charles III.

Bulstrode's academic pursuits began with a strong interest in zoology, leading him to study under Nobel laureate, Konrad Lorenz in Bavaria. This experience prompted a temporary shift from medicine to zoology at Oxford, where he led student expeditions. However, he later returned to medicine, completing his education at Cambridge and Oxford.

Career

Bulstrode's medical career began in Africa, where he worked in refugee camps and as a lecturer in veterinary pathology. Later, he returned to the UK and changed his specialisation to trauma and orthopaedics. He was known for his outspoken views on medical ethics and reform, particularly advocating for the rights of junior doctors and critiquing established medical practices.

Bulstrode's later career included service as a trauma surgeon in the British Army, despite initial age-related challenges. His deployment to Afghanistan was a notable period, where he contributed to healthcare restructuring and worked in refugee camps. His post-military career involved emergency medicine in New Zealand and contributions to Doctors of the World. His service was recognised in 2016 when he was appointed CBE.

Bulstrode died of a progressive neurodegenerative disorder on 7 December 2023. Before he died he completed his autobiography. In accordance with his wishes, it is now on line (from 13 April 2024) at christopherbulstrode.com His memorial service was held at Magdalen College Oxford.