Outgoing RCGP chairwoman Professor Clare Gerada presented the chef with honorary fellowship on 5 November in recognition of his high-profile healthy eating campaigns.
The award, which means the chef can use the letters FRCGP (Hon) after his name, also recognised his work through food education charity the Jamie Oliver Food Foundation and the global Food Revolution Day initiative that aims to get people cooking.
Mr Oliver said: ‘I'm truly humbled by this honour. I've always been aware that better food education is a doctor's best friend but to be recognised by the RCGP is very special and it gives me and my team even more of an incentive to carry on the work of the Jamie Oliver Food Foundation.’
The RCGP made nutrition a clinical priority in 2011. Now all GP trainees are trained in tackling obesity and malnutrition. GPs have also been issued with guidelines to help them raise the issue of obesity with patients.
Professor Gerada said: ‘GPs have a huge role to play in encouraging our patients to eat healthier so that they keep well and enjoy their lives to the full.
‘Jamie's innovative work on nutrition and the importance of a good diet, particularly for young people, has made a major contribution to raising public awareness in a non-judgemental and fun way, and we felt it was appropriate for the RCGP to recognise and celebrate his efforts and achievements in improving the nation's health.
‘We are delighted to welcome Jamie to the college and hope that we can work together to promote healthier lifestyle choices for people right across the UK.’
