The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) has appointed six new members to the College Council. The Council helps to guide strategy and steer the College’s mission of advancing education and assessment and maintaining professional standards to ensure patient safety everywhere.
Claire Edwards, Emma Stapleton, Peter Driscoll, Sai Krishna Vittal, Leena Chagla and Muhammad Rizwan Khan will assume their roles on the Council at the College’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Friday, 14 November 2025.
The newly appointed Council members are based in various countries, including the UK, India and Pakistan. They represent the College’s diverse and global membership, bringing unique perspectives and expertise.
Claire Edwards
Elected to RCSEd Council in 2020, Claire Edwards chairs the Professional Standards Committee and co-Chairs the Trainees Committee.
Emma Stapleton
Emma Stapleton leads the RCSEd mentoring programme and has held leadership roles including Past President of the North of England Otolaryngology Society and Past Chair of Women in ENT UK.
Peter Driscoll
Elected to RCSEd Council, Peter Driscoll is committed to supporting Affiliates, Members, and Fellows.
Sai Krishna Vittal
Sai Krishna Vittal is a long-standing RCSEd examiner and former International Surgical Adviser.
Leena Chagla
Immediate Past President of the Association of Breast Surgery, Leena Chagla launched the #CoreItOut anti-bullying campaign with RCSEd and established the ABS International Forum to promote global best practice.
Muhammad Rizwan Khan
Muhammad Rizwan Khan is Professor of Surgery and Associate Dean for Postgraduate Medical Education at Aga Khan University, Karachi.
The College has also recently announced the appointment of its five incoming Vice Presidents, subject to the planned implementation and approval of the RCSEd’s updated Governance Structure, set to take effect at the AGM. Working alongside Dr Clare McNaught, who will step into the role of President at the AGM following her election, the Vice Presidents will support and implement her manifesto as she takes the reigns from incumbent President, Professor Rowan Parks.
Professor Rowan Parks, President of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh said:
We are delighted to welcome the newly elected members of Council, who will formally take up their roles this November. They bring with them a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and commitment to the profession, which will be invaluable in advancing the College’s mission of excellence in surgical education, training, assessment and patient care.
Professor Rowan Parks, RCSEd President
With Dr Clare McNaught beginning her presidency and five new Vice Presidents joining the office bearer team, including the Dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery, Professor Grant McIntyre, who will be known as the Vice President – Dental, I am confident that together they will provide strong direction and leadership for the College and inspire progress in surgical care.
Professor Rowan Parks, RCSEd President