In a historic development for the UK’s healthcare landscape, Dr. Mumtaz Patel has been appointed as the new president of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), becoming the first woman of Indian heritage to hold the position in the institution’s 500-year history. Her appointment represents a major advancement for gender and ethnic representation in medical leadership.
Based in Manchester, Dr. Patel is a seasoned consultant nephrologist. She has been serving as the RCP’s senior censor and vice president for education and training, and stepped in as acting president since June 2024. With over two decades of dedicated service to the RCP, she has earned recognition for her leadership in patient care and policy reform. She also previously served as the registrar of the college, playing a key role in shaping healthcare education and professional standards.
Founded in 1518, the Royal College of Physicians is among the oldest medical institutions in the world. It focuses on enhancing healthcare delivery by setting clinical standards, providing specialist training, and advocating for physicians and patients alike.
Dr. Patel’s elevation to president has sparked celebration across the Indian diaspora in the UK and among healthcare professionals worldwide. She is widely admired as a role model for aspiring medical leaders, especially women and minority physicians.
In her first statement as president, Dr. Patel expressed her deep commitment to fostering excellence in the medical field. She emphasized her intent to support healthcare professionals at every career stage and ensure patients receive the best care possible. “I will bring passion, purpose, and more than 20 years of experience to serve our members and patients,” she said.
Looking ahead, Dr. Patel aims to tackle pressing challenges such as workforce shortages, rising health disparities, and the fast-changing landscape of medical technology. Her vision includes close collaboration with healthcare stakeholders to shape a resilient, inclusive, and patient-centered future for medicine.
