Renaissance man

Professor Michael Rawlins, chairman of the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), is something of a breath of fresh air. Having been appointed as chairman by Frank Dobson at the institute's inception in April 1999, Prof Rawlins' role, save for sitting in the House of Commons, involves managing the board. Saying that, he points out that his role at NICE does not actually involve managing the institute, which is run by the chief executive, but rather consists of contributing to its strategy and development. He also actively monitors progress from the board's perspect...