Christopher Bulstrode

Christopher John Kent Bulstrode CBE (1951–2023) was a British academic and professor at Green Templeton College, Oxford.¹²³

Christopher Bulstrode was born on 5 January 1951 in Guernsey, to radiologist John and Jacqueline Bulstrode.⁴ He attended Radley College following his early education at Cheam School, where he notably interacted with the future King Charles III.⁴

Bulstrode's academic pursuits began with a strong interest in zoology, leading him to study under Nobel laureate, Konrad Lorenz in Bavaria.⁴ This experience prompted a temporary shift from medicine to zoology at Oxford, where he led student expeditions.⁴ However, he later returned to medicine, completing his education at Cambridge and Oxford.⁴

Bulstrode's medical career began in Africa, where he worked in refugee camps and as a lecturer in veterinary pathology.⁴ Later, he returned to the UK and changed his specialisation to trauma and orthopaedics.⁴ He was known for his outspoken views on medical ethics and reform, particularly advocating for the rights of junior doctors and critiquing established medical practices.⁴

Bulstrode's later career included service as a trauma surgeon in the British Army, despite initial age-related challenges.⁴⁵ His deployment to Afghanistan was a notable period, where he contributed to healthcare restructuring and worked in refugee camps.⁴ His post-military career involved emergency medicine in New Zealand and contributions to Doctors of the World. His service was recognised in 2016 when he was appointed CBE.⁴

Bulstrode died of a progressive neurodegenerative disorder on 7 December 2023.⁴ Before he died he completed his autobiography which is now being reviewed for a film based on his life, particularly as a medic in the army. His memorial service was held at Magdalen College Oxford.