Professor Dasgupta Professor Dasgupta is regarded as one of the leading clinicians in his specialty worldwide and has helped Southend University Hospital grow to become one of the foremost centres of Rheumatological advancement globally. The Unit is renowned for research, teaching and training. Also, a Clinical Director of Research at the Hospital, he was awarded an Honorary Professorship by the University of Essex - the hospital's first professorship at a United Kingdom university and has been key to forging strong links between the hospital and academia, with the relationship of the University of Essex and Southend Hospital.