I have been nominated for President of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) of London. As many of you will know, the RCP has had a difficult 18 months. The controversy over the role of physician associates in medicine led to the resignation of the president in June 2024, followed by a pretty damning independent report criticising the college’s senior leadership, governance and culture. Even though I have been on RCP council since 2019, and a censor since 2022, I was not part of the senior leadership team, and like many members and fellows, I felt that that my voice was not being heard. ​ I became Academic Vice President in August 2024, and have helped steady the ship since then. However,  to develop a modernised, fit-for-purpose RCP, we need really strong leadership right at the top of the college; someone who understands how the RCP works, and what needs changing; someone with senior leadership experience outside of the college, and a proven track record in organisational change; someone who knows how to work with and influence governments.​​​