Retired Consultant Gastroenterologist, Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, Honorary Member British Society of Gastroenterology 2011.

It was with great sadness that the Society learned of the death of Dr Robert “Bob” Heading, former Consultant Gastroenterologist at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and a member of the BSG Council from 1997 to 2000.

Bob Heading was born in Stepps near Glasgow, but brought up and educated in Birkenhead and Birmingham. He studied medicine in Edinburgh, gaining a First Class Honours degree in biochemistry, and medals in pharmacology and therapeutics, and in respiratory medicine. Fortunately, he was not distracted by these successes, and subsequently devoted his clinical and academic practice to gastroenterology.

Bob developed a particular interest in upper GI motility and physiology.  His MD thesis in 1980 was on “Studies in gastric emptying a man.” He was President of the Association of Gastrointestinal Physiologists from 2003 to 2010.

He published over 190 papers and chaired the steering committees for several influential clinical trials.  He contributed widely to teaching and examining, at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and participated significantly in the development of guidelines and standards for gastrointestinal disease.

A natural diplomat, it was no coincidence that during the latter part of his career, Bob undertook a number of senior management roles within Lothian Health Board.

Following his retirement from Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, Bob contributed to the reorganisation and development of GI Physiology services in Glasgow Royal Infirmary, and also became an honorary professor in the University of Durham.

Bob's knowledge and expertise were extensive, but he wore his learning lightly and preferred to encourage and help colleagues, rather than upstage or dominate. He loved music and was well read, but at heart he was a family man. Following the sad death of his first wife Patricia from a brain tumour, he married Anne and subsequently divided his time between Edinburgh and rural Aberdeenshire. He was equally at home in both town and country.

Bob Heading was a man of great distinction but also of wonderful humanity. Affable, convivial and fun to talk to, he will be greatly missed.  We join his family in mourning his loss, but as a Society we are thankful for his service, and recognise his achievements.

Dr Alastair McKinlay,

BSG President, 2020 2022