Doctors’ body to get first woman president

A woman has been chosen as the president-elect of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow for the first time in its 418-year history.

Dr Jackie Taylor will assume the role for one year, before taking on the three-year term as president of the college in December 2018.

The college supports members from across the world in upholding the highest medical standards and professionalism.

Current president Professor David Galloway said: “I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Dr Jackie Taylor to the role of president-elect for our college. Her position will be truly historic.

“I think it is a wonderful outcome to our election process and as I really look forward to working with Jackie for the next year.”

Dr Taylor is a consultant physician in medicine for the elderly, based at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

Speaking following the AGM at the weekend, she said: “I feel hugely privileged to have been elected to the post of presidentelect and in particular, to be the first woman to have been given this honour.

“I look forward to building on the legacy of the college and leading it into an exciting new era.”

Prof Galloway said the past year has been one of “enormous progress” for the college, with membership growing to more than 14,000 members from 84 countries, while the size of the staff team in Glasgow has grown by around 20% to ensure that it can further improve its educational services.

He added: “While our growing membership continues to face a range of challenges from a combination of financial, demographic and political factors in Scotland and beyond, our college is in better shape than ever to be able to support them throughout their career.”

Dr Jackie Taylor.