About our Academy

The Dudley Group was first recognised as a Teaching Trust in March 2001, when our first clinical sub dean, the late Mr Ronald Patrick Grimley, was appointed to the post. Ron Grimley was appointed vascular and general surgeon to the Dudley Health Authority in 1983. He had more than 40 publications to his name, and he became an examiner for the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 1987. His enthusiasm for teaching helped The Dudley Group achieve teaching hospital status in partnership with the University of Birmingham, and he was the first clinical sub dean.

Ron worked tirelessly to gain our teaching status. He was an enthusiastic educationalist and inspiring mentor, with a special dedication for teaching undergraduate medical students. The Ron Grimley Undergraduate Centre for medical studies was officially opened by Professor William Doe, Dean of The University of Birmingham medical school, in March 2006.