The College has today (Thursday 21 November) announced the results of the 2024 elections.
Members and Fellows of the College community were asked to vote for their chosen candidates for six vacancies, including Honorary Treasurer, and five positions on the College Council. The role of Honorary Libarian was uncontested.
The new office bearers, College Council members and Executive Board members are:
· Drummond Mansbridge, Honorary Treasurer
Elected for a second term, Mr Mansbridge is an orthopaedic surgeon based in the West of Scotland. As Honorary Treasurer, he is focused on ensuring the financial stability and sustainability of the College, and ensuring resources are allocated in ways that directly benefit Fellows and Members.
· Elizabeth Murphy, Honorary Librarian
Rheumatologist Dr Murphy is based in the West of Scotland and was co-opted to the College Executive Board in January 2024. The Honorary Librarian position was uncontested and Dr Murphy will continue in the role for a full term, ensuring the College heritage collections connect with Fellows and Members and the wider community. She will also support the Heritage team in ensuring high standards are maintained in line with the requirements of national accreditation.
· Muhammed Mohsin Isar, Ordinary Councillor (Physician)
As Councillor, Dr Isar will prioritise initiatives that promote continuous professional development, enhance educational opportunities, and support members in the pursuit of excellence. An acute internal medicine specialist in Lincolnshire, England, Dr Isar will also support collaboration, inclusivity, and diversity.
· Srinivasan Ananth, Ordinary Councillor (Physician)
Dr Ananth has a strong focus on assessment and ensuring high-quality qualifications. He is an examiner for both PACES and the FRCS (Ophthalmology) exam, with an interest in the future of assessment. He is a general medicine specialist on the Isle of Wight.
· Charles G Kelly, Regional Councillor (Physician) (UK excl. Scotland)
Dr Kelly is an oncologist based in Newcastle Upon Tyne, and has been elected for a second term. He has a particular interest in online medical education and the potential impact of AI. He is a member of the College’s Digital Transformation Board.
· Aidan Armstrong, Regional Councillor (Surgeon) (UK excl. Scotland)
Mr Armstrong is a consultant colorectal surgeon and clinical director in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He has served as a College examiner and has been the surgical advisor to the College for Northern Ireland for the last four years. His interests include assessment, collaboration between clinicians and managers for the good of patients, and environmental sustainability in healthcare.
· Nandini Chatterjee, Regional Councillor (Physician) (International)
A professor of medicine and a clinician in Kolkata, India, Professor Chatterjee has a strong interest in teaching. She is the Editor in Chief of the Bengal Physician Journal and has edited and authored a number of books. She is also heavily involved in research.
Mike McKirdy, President of the College, said: “On behalf of the College community, I would like to extend our warmest congratulations to our newly elected office bearers.
“We are in a time of constant change in healthcare, and our new office bearers will play an important role in continuing to listen – and hear – our Members’ voices as we enter our 425th year.
“As the UK’s only multidisciplinary Royal College, we will continue to speak out on behalf of the professions on key issues including the wellbeing of doctors and healthcare professionals, and the future of the healthcare workforce.
“I would also like to thank those office bearers who are demitting office this year for their commitment and excellent contributions to the College community.”
The newly elected candidates will take up their new roles alongside incoming President, Professor Hany Eteiba, at the College Annual General Meeting on Friday 6 December 2024.