Professor Swainson is Medical Director at NHS Lothian, with responsibility across all NHS services in the area.
He is also the executive lead for research, medical teaching, clinical governance and e-health.
He qualified in medicine in 1972 at the University of Edinburgh. After training in the UK and Sydney in Renal Medicine, he went to Christchurch, New Zealand, as a Senior Lecturer in 1981.
He returned to a consultant post in Edinburgh in 1986, with a major clinical commitment to renal transplantation.
He was appointed Medical Director in 1996. He served on the Council of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh from 1991 to 1996.
Professor Swainson was a founder member of the Cochrane Renal Collaboration.
He chairs the Steering Group for the Scottish Patient Safety Programme and was appointed recently to be the medical director and vice chair of the Scottish Advisory Committee on Distinction Awards.
He is a member of the UK Funding Councils Medical Advisory Committee.
Professor Swainson was honoured by the British Association of Medical Managers as a Distinguished Fellow in 2007, and is currently an elected member of its board.
Professor Swainson's other interests include wine, skiing, opera and golf.