Professor Cheng-Hock Toh has been elected the new academic vice president of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP).
As a professor of haematology, Professor Toh has a distinguished career as a clinician, researcher, educator and clinical leader. He currently leads the Sepsis Research Group at the University’s Institute of Infection and Global Health, is clinical director of haematology at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital and president of the British Society of Haematology.
Professor Toh said he is “honoured and humbled” to have been elected and wants to use the prestigious role to modernise and personalise how the RCP expands its research–active medical workforce.
He said: “I am passionate about integrating research into clinical care. We know that patient outcomes are better when they are involved in research. But doctors’ outcomes are also better with greater job satisfaction by being at the cutting edge of their subject area.”
“Whether it is discovery science or delivering clinical trials, academic credentials are increasingly important for us at a time when patients come well informed about new trials and new treatments that require our guidance.”
“An agenda that values leadership in advancing knowledge through new technology bodes well for our profession into the future.”
Professor Toh believes that the “new and bold” RCP North development can symbolise this modern ambition, and said he is keen to “seize the opportunity” to help establish a vibrant northern hub that parallels London in its offer to members.
Professor Louise Kenny, Executive Pro-Vice Chancellor for Health and Life Sciences, said: “We are delighted at the appointment of Professor Cheng-Hock Toh to this leadership position in the Royal College of Physicians. As one of our most senior and respected academic clinicians, Cheng-Hock has a wealth of experience and skills which we are certain will prove to be extremely valuable at this important time for the College. We will support his work with this key partner both at the RCP in the North on the Liverpool campus and elsewhere nationally and internationally.”
Due to open in 2020, RCP North’s new £35 million northern headquarters, which will be known as The Spine, will occupy a prime position in Knowledge Quarter Liverpool’s Paddington Village.
The academic vice president is one of three vice presidents, who are senior officers of the RCP. Professor Toh will take up the role from 1 August, taking over from outgoing vice president Professor Margaret Johnson.