Meet our members: Professor David Baldwin

We speak to Professor David Baldwin, Consultant Physician and Honorary Professor of Medicine for Nottingham University Hospitals and the University of Nottingham, UK.

What do you do?  

A typical day for me might involve clinical work, research, national work with NHS England and the UK National Screening Committee, or more global work at an EU level and beyond.  

There’s a mixture of face-to-face meetings with patients, planning and doing research, and plenty of writing and editing of papers – as well as giving talks and advice.  

I was drawn to the field of lung cancer because of its clinically challenging aspects and the real need that I saw to improve outcomes for the disease. I also saw the opportunity for research to make an impact on developments in the field.  

Regarding lung cancer screening in the UK, what’s working well and what could be improved? 

The UK has the correct general strategy to implement lung cancer screening and our LDCT screening is advancing at pace. However, a real challenge is that the country lacks adequate numbers of staff and equipment. Early diagnosis and broader awareness of lung cancer are really hampered by issues of poor access to facilities and care.  

What do you hope the Lung Cancer Policy Network will achieve? 

I was motivated to join the Network by the opportunity to share findings and insights with colleagues from around the world. We can do so much more together than by working alone. As the Network develops, I’d like to see us continue to bring patient organisations, clinical leaders and researchers together and contribute to clear policies being implemented.  

What would you like lung cancer care to look like in the future? 

One of the most exciting developments in recent years is the evidence that LDCT screening is more effective than originally thought. There are three things that I would like to see in the future. First, that there is more support to enable early diagnosis. Second, that clear protocols really maximise benefit and minimise harm for lung cancer screening. Third, I’d like to see more rapid evaluation of new diagnostics developed. 

What do you like to do in your spare time, away from work? 

I enjoy windsurfing – I’m currently learning this on a foil – as well as walking and tennis.  

The Lung Cancer Policy Network brings together a unique mix of experts in lung cancer from around the world, united in their passion to eliminate lung cancer as a cause of death. 

We regularly share profiles of our members so that you can find out more about what led them to work in lung cancer and what changes they would like to see in lung cancer prevention and care on a global level.