Freddie Hamdy, Professor of Urology at the University of Sheffield, is an international leader in Urological cancers. His work has moved from basic research onto the pathogenesis of prostate cancer, through the role of novel markers such as osteoprotegerin in the evaluation of metastatic bone disease, to population-based screening evaluation. He is a joint PI on the national ProtecT treatment trial and with this, as well as his many other projects, he has demonstrated how national collaborations can improve research outcomes, with the prospect of real advances in treatment for these common diseases. His opinion is widely sought and he has extensive experience of clinical and academic medicine through membership of a number of national bodies. He combines all of this with a very active clinical practice and significant administrative work and his track record belies the view that it is difficult to be competitive in this field yet retain clinical practice. His approach has set an excellent example locally and nationally for what can be achieved in academic surgery.