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Dr. Mumtaz Patel, in a historic achievement, has been elected as the 123rd President of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and has become the first Indo-Asian to hold the most prestigious position in an institution established 500 years ago. Her election is a significant step toward promoting better diversity and inclusion within the UK medical leadership.
A true trailblazer in medicine and education
Dr. Patel was brought up in Lancashire by immigrant Indian parents. She began studying medicine at the University of Manchester, from which she graduated with a medical degree in 1996. Thereafter, she worked in the field of nephrology and obtained a PhD in 2006 in the genetics of lupus nephritis.
Dr. Patel has undoubtedly taken major leadership roles since her Global Vice Presidency at RCP (2020-2023), when she furthered much of RCP's development of a global strategy and the Global Women Leaders Program. Dr. Patel has also served as Senior Censor and Vice President, Education and Training at RCP, with an aim to improve medical education and support junior doctors.
Vision for a Contemporary and Inclusive RCP
Under her presidency, Dr. Patel plans to modernize the RCP and restore its position as the most credible voice for its 40,000 members across countries.
The RCP must become more inclusive, modern, and transparent in how it works with and for our members. We are working hard to regain the trust and confidence of our physicians.
Dr. Mumtaz Patel, President of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP)
Landmark goals promised during her AGM address
Dr. Patel, during her AGM address to her RCP fellows, promised landmark goals of re-inventing RCP as the “ voice of Medicine”, and thanked all the members and fellows for their outstanding contribution to the RCP. She stated:
I want to re-establish the RCP as the voice of medicine and the voice of our membership. I have made it clear – and will continue to make it clear – that the medical workforce is the backbone of the NHS. Without physicians, the healthcare system would collapse. I am incredibly proud and feel privileged to be a doctor. I am proud to be a physician and a member of the RCP. Proud to belong to a global community of medical leaders, spanning every career stage from medical student to emeritus consultant. Proud to play my part. It is you, our 40,000 members and fellows, who make up this college. Thank you for everything that so many of you do for the RCP, your patients, your colleagues, and the NHS. And thank you for being with us, as we refocus, refresh, and reset our vision for the future. I believe that, for the RCP, this is a fresh start.
The objectives under her leadership will empower clinicians at every stage of their working life's curriculum while improving the quality of patient care and dismantling barriers to the system within the health framework. Dr. Patel is marking her determination to ensure the above by attuning herself to the ailing needs of the medical auxiliary and patients.
Acknowledge Excellence and Commitment
Dr. Patel's contribution to medicine and education has been widely recognized. The Outstanding Leader Award was conferred on her at the first Global Women in Healthcare Awards in March 2024 for her significant contribution to the support and education of clinicians to enable them to offer patient-centered care.
I look forward to working with Dr Patel in this important next chapter in the RCP's long history... The Board of Trustees will do all it can to support Dr Patel in her work to lead and modernise our college.
Diana Walford CBE, Chair of the RCP Board of Trustees
Consultant Nephrologist for the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and Postgraduate Associate Dean for NHS England in the North West are just a few of the key positions she has held during her long career. They have been instrumental in influencing the way medical education and training are structured so that generations of doctors to come are fit for the needs of healthcare today.
A fresh chapter for the Royal College of Physicians
Dr Patel's presidency ushers in a new era of encouraging diversity, innovation, and dedication to excellence in clinical practice for the RCP. Professor Jugdeep Dhesi, President of the British Geriatrics Society, acknowledged Patel's significant responsibilities.
The president must show strong and decisive leadership to drive real change and ensure the health system starts working more effectively for those who use it most.
Professor Jugdeep Dhesi, President of the British Geriatrics Society
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Muhammad Faisal Arshad/MSM)
