Brian John Christie MChS

Brian graduated from Edinburgh School of Chiropody in 1981. In August 1981 he commenced work for Fife Health Board as a Senior 11 Chiropodist based in Glenrothes. He then took up a promoted Senior 1 Post in West Sussex and in 1988 he was promoted to Chief 111 Sector Manager for Worthing Priority Care based at Shoreham Health Centre. Finally, he returned home to Scotland as the District Chief 11 for Dundee, NHS Tayside and latter also held responsibility for Angus as a Band 8c.

Brian was very popular with all, able to engage in new projects, and got on well with his colleagues, forming working relationships that are essential for teamwork. He was very visible on committees within the Health Board, actively increasing the professional profile of podiatry and seeking every opportunity to establish links.

His participation in the Association of Chief Chiropody Officers (ACCO), the Scottish Podiatry Managers group and his close working relationship with the Employment Relations Officer enabled him to grow and network in Scotland and the UK. He was highly respected by fellow managers and trade union representatives alike, which is a real credit to Brian. Brian embraced change and development and was the first manager in Scotland who fully embraced working in partnership with the union. When colleagues speak of Brian, they do so with a great deal of affection, respect, and warmth. One word that is used often is innovative.

He was instrumental in overseeing service development of the podiatry service in Dundee and later across the whole of NHS Tayside. He secured the nail surgery contract in NHS Tayside and formulated and developed MDT links with diabetes and rheumatology services.

Brian was a visionary who, 30 years ago, identified that NHS Podiatry would be managing the complex patients with multiple co-morbidities that we see today.

Brian disliked being referred to as a podiatry manager as he said he did not want to manage staff, rather he wanted to lead staff. He was mentoring staff and fellow managers before the word was even thought of, and took great joy in the achievements of others. Brian was a fierce advocate for his staff, his profession and the College.

He was immensely proud to be awarded the College's Meritorious Award for his contributions to Partnership Working in 2009.

Brian loved his sport. He was a keen follower of Dunfermline Athletic, a talented hockey player representing Scotland at Under 18 level and a very good golfer despite the lack of practice. His creative side was evident in designing and planting a garden from scratch.

Brian was a warm, kind man who maintained a high level of professionalism, drove the profession and his staff forward, and will always be remembered for his great sense of humour.

Brian cared about the College, his profession, and his patients; he cared about his staff and colleagues, and he cared about his family.