Dr Clare McNaught is set to officially take office as the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh's new President tomorrow (14 November) at the College's AGM.
Clare, currently Vice President of the College, was elected to the role in June 2025, and is the first ever female to hold the role of President in the College’s 520-year history.
The ceremony will take place at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh's iconic building on Nicolson Street, where Clare will outline her priorities for the upcoming three-year term in her first address as President of the College.
Clare McNaught said: “It is an incredible honour to take on the role of President of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh - an institution with such a rich history and a global impact.
“I feel privileged to represent a new chapter of progress for the surgical profession. Over the next three years, my priorities will focus on advancing surgical education, supporting the next generation of surgeons, and fostering a culture of collaboration."
The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh represents over 33,000 members globally, including over 15,000 members in the UK, and advocates on behalf of its members and patients to promote high standards and patient safety.
Dr McNaught succeeds Professor Rowan Parks, who has served as the College’s President for the last three years.
Clare is a general surgeon in the NHS with a particular interest in colorectal cancer and IBD.
Having most recently served as Vice President, Clare has previously held a number of positions in the College, including examiner, Regional Surgical Ambassador for Yorkshire, Surgeons News Editor, Founder and Chair of the Younger Fellows Committee and Honorary Secretary.
ENDS
Issued on behalf of The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.
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Notes to editors
About RCSEd:
The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh was first incorporated as the Barber Surgeons of Edinburgh in 1505 and is based in Edinburgh, Birmingham and Malaysia.
It is one of the oldest surgical corporations in the world with a global membership of more than 33,000, including over 15,000 members in the UK the majority of whom work and live in England.
The College also has a significant worldwide presence with members in over 100 countries.
The College promotes the highest standards of surgical and dental practice through education, training and examinations, its liaison with external medical bodies and representation of the modern surgical and dental workforce.
The College has six faculties: The Faculty of Dental Surgery, The Faculty of Surgical Trainers, The Faculty of Dental Trainers, The Faculty of Perioperative Care, The Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care and The Faculty of Remote, Rural and Humanitarian Healthcare.
It is also home to the UK’s only Faculty of Surgical Trainers, open to all those with an interest in surgical training regardless of College affiliation.
You can find RCSEd at rcsed.ac.uk, YouTube, X, Facebook, and Instagram.