Indian-origin physician Mumtaz Patel has made history by becoming the first woman to be elected as the 123rd president of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), which is one of the world’s oldest and most esteemed medical organizations. With more than 40,000 members across the world, the RCP plays an important part in serving the medical community in the UK and around the globe. Dr Patel is now the head of this venerable body.
She is the first Indo-Asian Muslim to take up the position and only the fifth female president since the RCP was founded in the 16th century. In her message after the announcement, Dr Patel stated, “As president, I will lead the RCP to be the best organization it can be, supporting our members throughout every career stage to deliver the best possible healthcare for our patients. I will bring passion, commitment, vision, a values-driven approach and more than 20 years of RCP experience to the role.”
A Career Committed to Medicine and Education
Dr Mumtaz Patel, a well-known nephrologist from Manchester, was born to Indian immigrant parents in Lancashire. She studied medicine at the University of Manchester and graduated in 1996 and earned her PhD in 2006. She became a consultant nephrologist at Manchester University Hospitals in 2007. Her commitment to education resulted in her earning an MSc in Medical Education with distinction in 2014, three years after she earned her FRCP in 2011.
Dr Patel has served in a number of influential positions within medical education and training throughout the UK. Since 2016, she has been Postgraduate Associate Dean, with responsibility for education across multiple trusts and schools in the Northwest. She also directs the NIHR academic program within the area. In 2018, the University of Liverpool appointed her as the Director of Progress and Conduct.
Her contributions include research in the genetics of lupus nephritis and the pathophysiology of systemic lupus erythematosus. She was also Director of the Renal Training Program, Regional Advisor to the RCP, Clinical Lead for Quality at JRCPTB (2016–2020), and Global Vice President of the RCP between 2020 and 2023.
Recognised for Leadership and Innovation
In 2024, she won the award for Outstanding Leader at Global Women in Healthcare Awards. She has been RCP president since June 2024 as well as serving as vice president for education and training and senior censor. Mumtaz has worked in various interest areas, specifically in the area of assessment, fairness in education, differential attainment, and supporting doctors in difficulty. She has delivered a range of international presentations and published widely within the realms of medical education.
As an experienced PACES examiner, she has made a major contribution to assessment and has been the leader of numerous leadership and education initiatives within the UK and globally.
