Hillson studied medicine at the University of Birmingham, graduating with an MB ChB in 1974.[3][4] She practiced at Birmingham, Liverpool and Oxford before joining Hillingdon Hospital in 1989, where she worked until 2012. During her time as Consultant Physician, Diabetes and Endocrinology at the hospital she developed the Diabetes and Endocrine Unit. As a result of the work of the Unit she and her team won the Hospital Doctor of the Year Diabetes Award in 1997.[2][5][6] She was honorary Consultant Physician at the hospital from 2012 to 2013.[1]
Hillson was the National Clinical Director for Diabetes ('the Diabetes Tsar') at the Department of Health from 2008 to 2013.[5] While in this role she established the National Diabetes Information Service.[7][8]
The Joint British Diabetes Societies for Inpatient Care established the Rowan Hillson Insulin Safety Award to promote excellent practice in insulin safety.[10] In 2006 Hilson was elected to the national committee of the Association of British Clinical Diabetologists.[11]
Selected publications
Diabetes care : a practical manual, Oxford University Press. (2015) ISBN9780198705635
Five years on : delivering the Diabetes National Service Framework. COI for the Department of Health (2008).
The complete guide : the essential introduction to managing diabetes. Vermillion. (2001). ISBN9780091827014
Late onset diabetes : a practical guide to managing diabetes over 40. Vermillion. (1996). ISBN9780091814069
^ ab"Hillson, Dr Rowan Mary, (born 10 May 1951), Consultant Physician, Diabetes and Endocrinology, General Internal Medicine, Hillingdon Hospital, 1989–2012, Hon. Consultant Physician, 2012–13; National Clinical Director for Diabetes, Department of Health, 2008–13". HILLSON, Rowan Mary (born 1951), Consultant Physician, Diabetes and Endocrinology, General Internal Medicine, Hillingdon Hospital, 1989–2012, Hon. Consultant Physician, 2012–13; National Clinical Director for Diabetes, Department of Health, 2008–13. 2009. doi:10.1093/ww/9780199540884.013.U249676.
