Dr Sarah Clarke has been re-elected as president of the RCP in a ballot organised by Civica Election Services.
Since 2001, presidents have been elected with a recommended term of 4 years but the RCP is required by an Act of Parliament to open nominations for the presidency annually. Most commonly the election is uncontested in 3 out of the 4 years in the cycle but a challenge was received this year from Professor John Alcolado.
The total number of valid votes cast was 3737, and Dr Clarke won with 1988 to 1749 votes for Professor Alcolado. The total number of ballot papers distributed was 14,420.
Dr Sarah Clarke, a consultant cardiologist at Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in Cambridge, former RCP clinical vice president and past president of the British Cardiovascular Society, said:
“I am delighted to have been reelected as president and look forward to getting on with the job I started in September. There is lots to do and many challenges for us to face, and meet, together.
“I will continue to do all I can to shape and influence a secure and brighter future for our NHS and to support everyone working so hard on behalf of patients.”
In her candidate statement, Dr Clarke spoke of the crisis facing the NHS and the importance of the RCP strengthening its advocacy for patients, members and fellows. She promised to continue to ensure that the organisation not only addresses the ‘here and now’ but also looks ahead and remains central to the lives of physicians, clinical teams, innovators and academics in the UK and globally.