The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) has announced the appointment of its two incoming Vice Presidents following an election process.
Clare McNaught and Tim Graham will be taking over from Professor Rowan Parks and Mr Pala Rajesh, who have held the roles since November 2018.
As Vice Presidents, Clare and Tim will support and implement the manifesto of the new President-Elect, Professor Rowan Parks, as he takes the reigns from incumbent President, Professor Michael Griffin OBE, at the College’s AGM on 11 November.
Clare McNaught is a Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon currently serving as Honorary Secretary at the College, having previously been Editor of Surgeons’ News and Chair of the RCSEd Younger Fellows Group.
Tim Graham is a Consultant Surgeon, Assistant Medical Director and Professor of Cardiovascular Sciences at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, currently serving on RCSEd’s Council, and previous Chair of the College’s Professional Standards Committee.
President of RCSEd, Professor Michael Griffin, said:
“I would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations to Clare McNaught and Tim Graham on their well-deserved election success. I have had the pleasure of their friendship and professionalism throughout my time here at the College, and it is in safe hands under the leadership of Professor Rowan Parks, supported by Tim and Clare who will continue making things better for our surgical colleagues and patients alike.”
Current Vice President and President-Elect, Professor Rowan Parks, said:
“Clare and Tim have been model representatives of the College for some time and I am absolutely delighted that they have been elected as Vice-Presidents. They will bring enormous experience and expertise to the Office Bearer team and I am thoroughly looking forward to working closely with them to take forward the many ambitions of the College.”
Clare McNaught said:
“I am absolutely delighted and privileged to be able to serve the College as Vice President. This is the first time in 517 years that a woman has been elected to this office and it was notable that two of my other female colleagues also stood in this election. This is a testimony to how seriously the College is working to improve equality throughout our organisation to better reflect the wonderful diversity of our membership.”
Tim Graham also commented:
“I've been involved with the College for many years now in different roles, and this journey has been a privilege. To now be elected to Vice President of this historic and international College is a delight as well as an honour. I look forward to working with Clare and Rowan and the rest of the team to contribute to the improvements the College continues to make to UK and international surgery.”