The tour leaders
Our tour leaders are hand picked for their professional or personal experience, their personalities, and their passion. Their most important job is to provide pastoral care to their groups to ensure that fellow travellers are well looked after. Tour Leaders are an integral part of each tour, providing knowledge, insight and enthusiasm. They are interesting and accomplished people in their own right, and the sort of person you will enjoy sharing a drink with at the end of a busy day.
Kath Acres
Kath Acres was a co-founder (9 years ago) of the weekly regeneration magazine New Start. She has worked in social policy publishing (previously as Publisher of Inside Housing magazine) for the last 20 years and is now taking a break to see what she would like to do next. She is a board member of a Housing Association and a Trustee of Ruralnet – a charity helping rural communities to benefit from IT. Kath has travelled widely (and is a committed house-swapper). She has led study tours to China, Hong Kong and Namibia and participated in a tour to Costa Rica and Nicaragua.
Robert Arnott
Robert Arnott is Professor of the History and Archaeology of Medicine and Director of the Centre of the History of Medicine of the University of Birmingham Medical School. He is an archaeologist, who specialises in the history of ancient medicine and disease. He is the author of a number of books and papers on the subject and regularly lectures in Europe and the USA.
Alex Attewell
Alex Attewell is the former Director of the Florence Nightingale Museum in St Thomas’ Hospital in London. A history graduate of the University of Bristol, Alex trained as a social history Curator at Leicester University, qualifying with the AMA in 1992. Alex has written, broadcast and lectured on Florence Nightingale for 18 years. He serves on the board of several museums and galleries in London. Now he works as an independent consultant and writer in the heritage sector.
Jon Baines
Jon started in the travel industry over 14 years ago, following a background in publishing and years of independent travel through the Americas, Europe and East Africa. In that time, he built up a start up travel company into a leading specialist study tour operation. Jon is a highly energetic and knowledgeable tour leader whose enthusiasm for the destinations he visits is contagious. He led his first group in 1996 from the Karakoram Highway in Pakistan to China. Since then, he has successfully lead groups to Bhutan, Cambodia, China, France, Iran, Jordan, Nepal, Vietnam, Sweden and Syria.
András Barabás
András Barabás MB ChB MD FRCS started his medical studies at the Semmelweis Medical School in Budapest but these were interrupted at the time of the Hungarian Uprising in 1956 in which he took an active part. Forced to leave Hungary as a refugee he came to England and qualified at the Medical School of Manchester. András Barabás trained as a surgeon in England and was appointed Consultant Vascular Surgeon in Suffolk and clinical teacher at the University of Cambridge School of Medicine in 1974. He has had numerous articles published in Medical and Surgical Journals, and co-authored a monograph: "Speaking at a Medical Meeting." András Barabás was recently awarded an Honorary Membership of the Hungarian Association of Surgeons and thus became the first Surgeon to hold memberships of both Hungarian and British surgical associations. Apart from Medicine, he is well read in Hungarian and English literature and history and is interested in ornithology. András is a regular visitor to Hungary and along with his English wife Alix, has previously led a very successful tour there.
Gilly Burn
Gilly Burn set up Cancer Relief India in 1990 and worked as the Project Director of the Indo-British Palliative Care Project from 1993-96 collaboration between Macmillan Cancer Relief and W.H.O.). She has been instrumental in setting up palliative care services in collaboration with Indian colleagues, notably the first hospital based palliative care team in India which is now a WHO Demonstration Project with SE Asia. She was one of the prime instigators in setting up the Indian Association of Palliative Care, and is an expert on palliative care and society in India. Well-travelled and energetic with an excellent sense of humour, Gilly is a great asset to any tour as was the case when she led the successful Palliative Care in South India tour in January 2008.
Terry Butler
Terry Butler CBE was Hampshire County Council's Director of Social Services from 1988 to 2005. Nationally, he has regularly acted as a Government adviser and was seconded to the Department of Health in the early 1990s to help implement the community care reforms. He is a former member of the Home Office Advisory Board for Restricted Patients and Board of Governors for the National Institute for Social Work. He is currently a Non Executive Director of the NHS South Central Strategic Health Authority and a Council Member for the General Social Care Council. He is also an Adviser for Social Care at the National Patient Safety Agency, Member of the Information Tribunal and Vice-President of the Relatives and Residents Association. He is self-employed as an Adviser in Public Services and Social Care and has travelled widely.
Liz Carrington
Liz Carrington, the international development adviser at the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, has a background paediatric physiotherapy and medical anthropology. Before joining the CSP she worked in India in community based rehabilitation and has previously led a tour to China as well as the 2008 Therapy & Rehabilitation tour to South India.
Christalla Demetriades
Christalla Demetriades, (Talla) graduated with a degree in Medieval Ecclestical History and went on to work in publishing. Talla has lived and worked in the UK, Australia, Cyprus and Guatemala. Talla has built a house on the side of a volcano in Gutamala to spend the winter in. Talla has traveled extensively and is an experienced, enthusiastic and popular tour leader. Talla has led tours to China, India, Argentina, Mexico, Guatemala (many times) and a on a Mediterranean Cruise.
Prof. Phillip Dowell
Professor Phillip Dowell qualified at the London hospital and after a number of hospital jobs entered general practice. Some years later after working in the West Indies he won an international fellowship to study to at the Eastman Dental Centre in the USA. He continued his post graduate studies at the University of Wales College of Medicine and subsequently taught both under graduates and post graduates in the area of Periodontology. He is a specialist Periodontist and past president of the British Society of Periodontology. Phillip Dowell has lectured both nationally and internationally and is the author of many publications. He is visiting professor at the University of Surrey and a past European President for the International College of Dentists. He has led highly successful tours to China, Ecuador and around the Mediterranean.
Dr. John Ford
Dr John Ford spent his professional life as a General Practitioner in Kent. During that time he served as part time Historian to St Thomas Hospital, London, and was President of the British Society for the History of Medicine and of the Section of the History of Medicine of the Royal Society of Medicine. He is the immediate Past President of the Faculty of the History and Philosophy of Medicine and Pharmacy of the Society of Apothecaries and is an examiner for their Diploma in the History of Medicine. He has published widely in the subject and is a frequent guest lecturer.
Jane Ford
Jane’s passion for travel, her administrative background and golfing skills make her the ideal person to lead this tour to China. Jane led last year’s successful Golf Tour to China and has been involved with tours to Israel, Egypt, Jordan and Greece. Currently Jane runs her own events business and when not busy working enjoys listening to music, drinking fine wine and playing golf.
Susan Hagan
Susan Hagan is a practising Aromatherapist, Ayurvedic and Bowen Practitioner and Teacher. She also teaches many Post-Graduate courses in the field of Complementary Medicine. She was the International Chair of the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists from 2002 to 2005 and sits on the Committee for National Occupational Standards for Ayurveda. She trained in Ayurvedic medicine between 1968 and 1981 whilst resident in Nepal, where she met and married the eldest son of Boris Lissanevitch, the famous host of the 300 Club in Calcutta, the Royal Hotel and the Yak and Yeti Hotel in Kathmandu. An experienced tour leader she leads regular tours to Nepal, India and Bulgaria. She has acquired property in Bulgaria to expand her business there as the country joins the EU in January 2007.
Christine Holt
Christine Holt is a fully qualified PGA professional and established teacher. After a successful career in both professional and amateur golf, Christine now specializes in the design, organisation and administration of top quality corporate golf events. Christine has previously led golf tours to Chile, Argentina, Thailand and China.
Paul Johnson
Paul Johnson qualified in dentistry in Leeds in 1979 and medicine in Cambridge in 1984. He was appointed consultant in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Royal Surrey County Hospital. He lectures widely on maxillofacial and facial plastic surgery. In private practice he specializes in oral surgery, implantology and facial cosmetic surgery.
Dr. Raija Kuisma
An experienced and popular tour leader Dr Raija Kuisma is a Physiotherapist and university lecturer. She has worked as a physiotherapist and teacher throughout Europe, the Middle and Far East. With a Sudanese husband, Raija has a good understanding of the customs and believes of the people of the Middle East and understands and speaks basic Arabic.
Barbara Kuypers
Barbara Kuypers is General Manager for the Women and Children?s Services and a Head of Midwifery and Gynaecology in a London Hospital Trust. Barbara is a Nurse and a Midwife with now over 25 years experience working with International and UK experience. From 1982 she worked as a Midwife with various non-governmental organizations and agencies with international projects in Hong Kong, the Middle East, Zambia and The Gambia before returning to London to work in the NHS in 1988. Barbara has previously led a tour to China.
Chris Liu
Christopher Liu is a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon and Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer based in Brighton. Born in Hong Kong, Chris came to England aged 15 to study before entering medical school in London. He is widely travelled and enjoys introducing western delegates to exotic cultures. He has led the Royal College of Ophthalmologists Study Tour to China in 2004, Egypt 2006 and Syria in 2007. Being a visiting professor in Osaka he has visited Japan many times. Christopher has been president of the Medical Contact Lens and Ocular Surface Association, and is the current president of the British Society for Refractive Surgery.
Dr Anne MacAlister
Dr Anne MacAlister has been a GP in Lanarkshire for 25 years. Anne has an interest in all alternative medicine with special interest and post graduate training in homoeopathy, acupuncture and hypnotherapy. Anne works as a doctor at a number of rock concerts and has traveled extensively to China, Tibet, India, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Australia, Peru, Mexico, Guatemala, Alaska, USA, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Syria, Jordan and throughout Europe. An experienced tour leader, Anne has led a number of tours through South America and Asia.
Dr Richard Marsh
Dr Richard Marsh has a long association with the Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Churches. He is the author of Black Angels: the art and spirituality of Ethiopia and Prayers from the East and has traveled extensively. He is an experienced tour leader and having led many successful tours to Ethiopia"
Aidan Reynolds
After a decade of toiling in the City of London Aidan downed tools and spent the next 2 1/2 years travelling to all corners of the globe. Eventually he joined the travel industry as a tour leader working in a number of locations including India, Morocco, Turkey, Greece and Vietnam where he finally hung up his boots and lived for 6 years. Married to a Vietnamese lady Aidan has a comprehensive knowledge of Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
John Richardson
John Richardson is the Emeritus Defence Professor of Primary Care and General Practice and is now an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for the History of Medicine at Birmingham University . He has visited 69 countries and worked in 40 of them as a doctor. He travels worldwide leading tours or being the medical escort for pilgrimages for the Royal British Legion, or taking undergraduates and Service personnel on adventurous training or expeditions, and running history of medicine battlefield tours. John has lectured on a Mediterranean Medicine Cruise and has led cultural tours to Turkey , China and along the Silk Road . He is still working as a general practitioner.
Dr. Ashok Sethi
Dr. Sethi has pioneered, in the UK and internationally, the art and science of surgical and restorative implant dentistry for 25 years. His practice is totally dedicated to implants achieving outstanding success rates in terms of predictability as well as aesthetic and functional outcome. He is the Programme Director of the Diploma in Implant Dentistry, of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. He has recently written a book “Practical Implant Dentistry” jointly with Thomas Kaus, which is published by Quintessence International.
David Shannon
David M. Shannon graduated with a Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry, Memphis, Tennessee in 1986. He divides his time between the family practice Shannon and Carton Ltd in Notting Hill, London and Johnson and Johnson Vision Care where he acts as a professional affairs consultant. David is also the AOP Board member responsible for OT (Optometry Today) and the immediate past chair of their new Education Committee. Currently he sits on the Membership committee. He has travelled extensively through the USA and more recent adventures include visits to Israel, Hong Kong, Thailand and Taiwan.
Corinne Short
Corinne Short is Editor of The Practitioner, the monthly clinical journal for GPs. She has a life science degree and more than 20 years experience in medical journalism. Corinne is a former editor of Medical Monitor and was the launch editor of Guidelines in Practice. She has travelled extensively, especially in the Far East, and has led a tour of GPs to Tibet and Nepal as well as the successful Medicine & Society in Cuba tour in February 2008.
Mike Townend
Mike has been travelling to India since 1974 and Nepal since 1982. He first went as an expedition climber tackling Himalayan peaks. Since 1989 he has been travelling there as a tour leader involving activities ranging from mountain trekking to white water rafting. Apart from India and Nepal he has led tours and treks in Argentina, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Morocco, Bhutan, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. It was his love of travel and mountains that led him to take an interest in Travel Medicine, and for many years as a GP he ran a travel clinic in his practice. He was one of the first to gain the Diploma in Travel Medicine in Glasgow and is now a Fellow of the Faculty of Travel Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.
Jamie Veitch
Jamie Veitch is co-founder and director of the weekly regeneration magazine New Start, has worked in social policy publishing for the last ten years and is particularly interested in social enterprise and economic and community development. Jamie launched and co-organised the National Housing Awards, is a trustee of the social firm Sheffield Reclaim has recently joined the new board of Eventus, the Sheffield-based cultural consultancy and is an avid rock climber. Jamie has featured within magazines, a book and a film about rock climbing. An experienced and popular tour leader, Jamie has led study tours to China, Costa Rica and Nicaragua in addition to a tour to Venezuela in May 2007.
Mickey Walker
Mickey is one of the most respected and influential figures in women’s golf. Culminating in Europe’s Solheim Cup Victory in 1992, Mickey has enjoyed a highly successful career. Following success as an amateur, she played on both the European and US Tours before becoming the first woman in Britain to become Head Professional at the Warren Golf Club.
Cathy Warwick
Cathy Warwick CBE is currently General Manager Women and Children's Services at Kings College Hospital in London. Cathy is also Director of Midwifery and an Honorary Professor of Midwifery at Kings College London. In 2006 she was awarded a CBE for services to Midwifery and Healthcare. Cathy lectures, writes and advises on midwifery issues with a particular interest in the organisation of care and the promotion of choice for women. Cathy has travelled widely both on her own and with her family, visiting midwifery units in America, Sri Lanka and South Africa and has previously led a Midwifery Study Tour to China.
Sue Weir
Sue Weir is a former Westminster Hospital nurse and a registered Blue Badge Guide. She developed a special interest in medical history and runs her own company Medical History Tours which takes groups and individuals to places of medical historical interest both at home and abroad. She has written Weir's Guide to Medical Museums in Britain, has a Diploma in the History of Medicine from the Society of Apothecaries, is a past-President of the History of Medicine section at the Royal Society of Medicine and is President-Elect of the British Society for the History of Medicine.