Dr Claire Shannon elected Royal College of Anaesthetists President

Dr Claire Shannon has been elected the next President of The Royal College of Anaesthetists.

Dr Shannon, a consultant anaesthetist at Evelina London Children's Hospital, has been Vice President of the College since September 2023 and an elected Council Member since March 2018. She has been the Chair of the College's Clinical Quality and Research Board, playing a leading role in their work to uphold standards in the perioperative pathway (care given around the time of surgery), widening access to research and facilitating more active patient involvement.

Claire said of her appointment:

I am honoured to be elected as the next President of The Royal College of Anaesthetists. These are challenging times in healthcare but there is much to be optimistic about if we continue to listen to our members and work collaboratively to move forward together as a College.

As an advocate for doctors in training throughout her long consultant career, Claire has served as a College Tutor, Training Programme Director, Regional Adviser, examiner for the Fellowship of the Royal College of Anaesthetists and deputy Chair of the College's Education, Training and Examinations Board. The appointment is a testament to her world-leading expertise and important work undertaken at Evelina London, Guy's and St Thomas', and the Royal College of Anaesthetists.

Lance Tooke, Clinical Director for children's surgery, theatres and anaesthesia at Evelina London Children's Hospital said: "We are really pleased that Claire has been elected as the next President of The Royal College of Anaesthetists. As an inspirational leader and superb clinician, she adds so much value to both the anaesthetic and surgical services at Evelina London. Well done Claire!"

Claire is ready to continue this valuable work in her new role which starts in September. She said: "I am looking forward to leading the College as we continue to advocate for our members and work together to drive improvements in training, education, exams and research."

You can find out more about Claire's work and this prestigious role on The Royal College of Anaesthetists website.