The world of colorectal surgery has lost one of its brightest lights - Professor Neil Smart. A surgeon of extraordinary skill, a teacher who inspired generations, and a friend whose kindness touched everyone he met. Though he left us far too soon, his legacy will endure forever.
Neil was more than a surgeon - he was a visionary. As Editor-in-Chief of Colorectal Disease, he shaped the future of our field with wisdom and dedication. His academic brilliance was matched only by his passion for teaching. He didn’t just train surgeons; he mentored leaders.
To those of us who worked alongside him, he was the kind of rare individual who made medicine feel like more than a profession. But Neil’s greatness wasn’t just in his achievements—it was in who he was. His humour could light up a room. His humility kept him grounded, even as his reputation soared. And his friendship? Unshakable. Whether it was a quick joke or a quiet word of encouragement when it mattered most, he had a way of making people feel seen.
Neil’s passing leaves a void that can’t be filled. But his impact lives on - in the lives he saved, the students he inspired, and the friendships he cherished.
To Neil - a remarkable surgeon, a devoted mentor, and a dear friend… thank you. We will carry your legacy forward. Rest in peace.
Antonino Spinelli, ESCP President