A festive message from our President and Chief Executive

Professor Roger Kirby and Michele Acton offer their warmest wishes to all those who are part of the Royal Society of Medicine community.

With the festive season upon us, we would like to mark the end of another demanding year by thanking all those who have contributed so much to the Royal Society of Medicine (RSM) during the last 12 months. Despite our home at 1 Wimpole Street in London being closed during the first part of the year, we were pleased to see many people returning to attend our events and use our club facilities.

Our Section Presidents and Councils, whose wisdom and experience we value so highly, have inspired our members and delegates with exceptional education programmes for healthcare professionals. Their boundless enthusiasm for the RSM is very much appreciated. Of course, our education programme would not be possible without those speakers and delegates who have shared their great knowledge and experience – to you, we give our heartfelt thanks.

We are thankful for the dedication shown by our staff teams at the RSM, who have continued to manage so deftly the challenges brought about by the pandemic. They have, with their usual dependable expertise, ensured that all of our education events and initiatives, and the many services that we provide our members, are supported and delivered to an exceptional standard.

While our education programmes represent the more visible and impactful aspects of the RSM’s work, there is much activity that goes on below the radar and for that we are grateful to our Trustees and the members of our various committees. Together, they volunteer their time to undertake the important work required in respect of the charity’s governance and financial management.

The last 12 months, like the year before, have been exceptionally tough for the medical and healthcare communities, and we offer our sincere thanks to you all. As you continue to work under extreme pressure, with health services around the world continuing to battle with the ravages of the pandemic, we are grateful for your dedicated engagement with the RSM.

To all of our members – whether you are working on the frontline, in other healthcare occupations, studying or are now retired – you really are the lifeblood of the organisation and make our community an incredibly sought-after and supportive network.

With a new five-year strategy in place for the RSM, we are looking forward with anticipation to 2022 and the opportunities it will bring us to flourish and grow. For now, we offer you our very best wishes for the festive season ahead.

Professor Roger Kirby
Michele Acton