Professor Linda Cardozo OBE

25 September 2023 - We are deeply saddened to learn of the death last week of Linda Cardozo, Professor of Urogynaecology and Consultant Gynaecologist at King’s.

Professor Cardozo joined King’s back in 1979, and became a Consultant in 1985, and throughout her long and distinguished career, she developed an interest in all aspects of urogynaecology, and was a true pioneer in this specialist field of medicine.

In 1994, she was appointed as the first Professor of Urogynaecology in the United Kingdom. Linda was a passionate trainer and educator, and supervised and mentored over 60 research fellows during her career, many of whom are now working as consultants in the UK, and overseas. She also gave lectures throughout the world, and was President of the International Urogynaecology Association from 1998 to 2000, which was just one of the many leadership roles she undertook during her career.

As well as treating thousands of patients, Linda published an incredible 750 original papers, 25 books, and 130 book chapters. In addition, she was Co-editor of the award-winning Textbook of Female Urology and Urogynaecology, which has recently been published in the 5th edition.

In recognition of her dedication to Urogynaecology, Linda received lifetime achievement awards from the International Continence Society (ICS), the International Urogynaecology Association (IUGA) and the British Society of Urogynaecology (BSUG). In 2014, she was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to Urogynaecology.

Mr Dudley Robinson, Consultant Urogynaecologist at King’s, worked with Linda for many years. He said:

“Linda was a force of nature who touched the lives of hundreds of doctors and thousands of patients. She was a passionate advocate of women’s health, a leader within urogynaecology, a gifted clinician and highly skilled surgeon, a mentor and a friend. She was also a dedicated and highly skilled doctor who touched the hearts and minds of all those she met. A devoted wife and mother, she was also a mentor to all those she trained and just as importantly, a friend. The world, and our profession, are diminished by her loss but strengthened by the legacy that she leaves behind.”

Dr Leonie Penna, Chief Medical Officer at King’s, added:

“Linda worked at King’s for 44 years, and was a true pioneer in the field of urogynaecology – she was also popular and highly respected by her patients and colleagues alike. She will be sorely missed, and the thoughts of everyone at King’s are with her family at this difficult time.”

An obituary of Linda, written by Mr Dudley Robinson, has been published on the British Society of Urogynaecology website.