Meet Magdalene's New President

On 30 September, Professor Brendan Burchell (1990), retired as President of the College. Dr Nicholas Carroll (2017), Fellow and Director of Studies in Clinical Medicine, has been elected by the Governing Body to succeed him from 1 October. Dr Carroll writes about his new role.

It is with great pleasure and an enormous sense of pride that I am writing as the President-elect of the College. I am deeply indebted to my colleagues in the Fellowship for voting for me to take up the role of President commencing in the new academic year.

Firstly, I would like to pay tribute to Professor Brendan Burchell, who has undertaken the presidency with great passion and skill. He took on the role from Dr Jane Hughes during a time of significant challenges and pressures and has skillfully steered the Fellowship through these difficulties. We are indebted to him for his selfless contribution during a challenging time for the College.

Originally admitted to the Fellowship in September 2017, I have been Joint Director of Studies for Clinical Medicine and an Undergraduate Tutor. Having retired from full-time clinical practice, I am still working part-time as a Consultant Radiologist and Endoscopist at Addenbrookes Hospital, and I continue to enjoy both undergraduate and graduate medical teaching. I also continue to take part in research, particularly involving the technique of endoscopic ultrasound, the use of which I pioneered in cancer diagnosis and therapy in the U.K.

As one of the Clinical Medical Fellows, I was involved with the College's response to the pandemic via the 'Gold Committee.' I am glad to be given the opportunity to be President at a time when we can look forward to a future free from the constraints we have faced.

I am keen to see a return to the more sociable aspects of college life and to facilitate the involvement and engagement of the Fellowship at every level. Given the financial challenges we have encountered, along with the current 'cost of living crisis,' we must be aware of the limitations that financial constraints may impose. However, I firmly believe that by working closely with staff and students, the Fellowship will find ways to enhance the College and put us in a strong position for the years to come.