As Dr Helen Skinner, a consultant geriatrician at the University Hospital of North Tees, became a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians at a ceremony on Friday 25 June, she also became the 25,000th person to be a member or fellow of the College at any one time.
RCP president Professor Sir Ian Gilmore presented Dr Skinner with some commemorative gifts and academic vice-president Professor Tim Evans announced Dr Skinner as the 25,000th member in the ceremony.
The RCP was founded in 1518 by Royal Charter from Henry VIII, and this is the first time in RCP history that the membership level has reached 25,000. Consultant expansion, coupled with an increase in collegiate membership among junior doctors, has contributed towards the rise in overall numbers. Physicians work in 30 medical specialties in every general hospital in the UK, and are at the heart of providing healthcare to patients.
RCP membership benefits include free access to the continuing professional development (CPD) diary scheme, free Athens access, free downloadable publications and the RCP journal Clinical Medicine, support via a network of regional and international advisers and reduced prices for conferences and other regional events.
Dr Skinner qualified in 1996 from Manchester University, and worked in Manchester and Leeds before moving to the North East for her SpR post in geriatrics and G(I)M. She became a consultant in geriatrics and G(I)M in 2006 at the University Hospital of North Tees, in Stockton-on-Tees. As clinical lead for stroke, she led and improved services for patients in line with the National Stroke Strategy. Her interest in clinical leadership led to a Kings Fund Stroke Leadership Course, and attendance at the Clinical Leaders Network and the Cardiovascular Network. She is involved in teaching and has completed the Certificate in Clinical Education. Outside medicine her interests include running half-marathons, reading, and making jewellery.
Dr Skinner said:
It was exciting to have been elected as a fellow and to have been the 25,000th person to be made a member or Fellow shows the extent and reach of the RCP. I feel that the RCP is important in representing the views of the profession and influencing health related policy.
RCP President Professor Sir Ian Gilmore said:
I am delighted to welcome Helen as a fellow and as our 25,000th member. This is a significant milestone in the history of the College, and also in the position and prevalence of physicians in world medicine. The strength of the College lies in its members and fellows and their commitment to the highest standards of patient care, a position which helps us advise the public and government.