RCGP elects Dr Gary Howsam as new vice chair

The RCGP has announced the election of its new vice chair, Dr Gary Howsam.

Dr Howsam replaces Professor Martin Marshall who himself succeeds Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard. 

The other two candidates in the running for the post were international recruitment expert Dr Mohammed Saqib Anwar and academic GP Dr Joanne Reeve.

Dr Howsam, a part-time GP partner in Peterborough, will step into his role on 23 November, where he will be in charge of the RCGP's external affairs. 

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough CCG chair since 2016, Dr Howsam also acts as vice chair of the East Anglia Faculty Board and faculty representative on the college council.

Commenting on his appointment, he said: 'It is a great honour to be elected as vice-chair for external affairs of the RCGP. This is a critical time for our profession and for patient care and I will do everything I can to make sure that the voice of frontline GPs is heard loud and clear as the College continues to build its influence, within the NHS and beyond.'

Dr Howsam will join Professor Mike Holmes, who is responsible for membership and international, and Dr Michael Mulholland, professional development vice chair, on the RCGP officer team.

The RCGP will also welcome its new president during the same month, when Professor Amanda Howe takes over from Professor Mayur Lakhani.