Professor David Oliver has made the difficult decision to withdraw from the presidency of the RCP, a role he was to commence in September when Sir Andrew Goddard steps down.
Professor Oliver was elected by the fellowship in April from a field of 7 candidates.
The RCP would like to put on record its huge respect for Professor Oliver taking this difficult decision, which we appreciate is the right one for him and his family at the present time. David is a highly regarded physician and we look forward to him continuing as a valued fellow and part of the RCP professional community.
Professor Oliver, a Consultant in Geriatrics and General Internal Medicine and a former clinical vice president of the RCP and past-president of the British Geriatrics Society, said:
"I put my heart and soul into the 2022 election process having stood once before for PRCP in 2018. Sadly, at around the time the election result was announced, I had become unwell after 2 years of COVID medicine and then catching COVID myself. Despite time off clinical work and medical support, I have simply not been able to recover in time to do the considerable job of being PRCP justice.
"Withdrawing may be a decision I come to regret, but I had to do so in the interest of my own health and the RCP's future. It would not have been responsible for me to continue at this time. I am very grateful for the support and understanding that College Officers and staff have given me. Sadly, my story illustrates the impact that COVID has had on the wellbeing of so many NHS staff."
RCP president Sir Andrew Goddard said: “I know how hard a decision this was for David to take and my thoughts are with him and his family as he concentrates on recovering. I know that all our members and staff will share my very best wishes for him in that recovery.
“There are robust processes in the RCP constitution to cover such situations and we will announce the next steps over the coming week.”
RCP Council will hold a meeting later this week to discuss future leadership arrangements from September 2022 onwards.