Dr Linda Irvine’s appointment signals a new era for the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow
Dr Linda Irvine, a native of Motherwell, has been appointed as the chief executive officer of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, the UK’s only multidisciplinary Royal College. This appointment follows a competitive recruitment process, underscoring Dr Irvine’s strong leadership credentials and deep sector knowledge. With more than 25 years of senior leadership experience, she previously held roles as deputy CEO and director of membership and engagement within the College. Since February 2024, she has been serving as interim CEO, during which time she has led initiatives to enhance the College’s financial sustainability, expand its global membership base, and increase the provision of high-quality education and assessment services for healthcare professionals.
Dr Irvine expressed her pride and enthusiasm at taking on the leadership of this historic institution, stating, “It’s an enormous privilege to lead the College team and work with our fantastic community of physicians, surgeons, dentists, travel medicine and podiatric medicine specialists.” She emphasised the importance of adapting to continuous changes in healthcare by providing comprehensive education, training, and career support. Dr Irvine highlighted the College’s legacy of 425 years of innovation and dedication to nurturing the health service workforce, and expressed excitement about working alongside the College’s president, trustees, clinical volunteers, fellows, and members to guide the organisation into its next chapter.
The president of the College, Professor Hany Eteiba, praised Dr Irvine’s appointment after a rigorous selection process, calling her “an outstanding leader with a proven track record” who brings excellent sector knowledge and a genuine commitment to improving the experience of the College’s 15,000 fellows and members worldwide. He expressed optimism for the future, saying the College is poised to grow stronger under her leadership.
Founded in 1599, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow has a unique status as the only multidisciplinary Royal College in the UK. It brings together professionals from diverse fields including medicine, surgery, dentistry, travel medicine, and podiatry. Over its 425-year history, the College has been responsible for some of the most profound advances in healthcare, contributing to improved patient outcomes locally in Glasgow, across the UK, and internationally. The College’s longstanding commitment to education and assessment has been crucial in elevating professional standards in healthcare.
The College marked its 425th anniversary in 2024 with celebrations reflecting its continuous innovation and impact on healthcare advancement. These included exhibitions showcasing key historical figures such as Scottish surgeon Sir William Macewen and the College’s first female Fellow, Jamini Sen. Beyond honouring its history, the College remains forward-looking, supporting modern healthcare innovators and pursuing a strategic plan aimed at fostering a healthy, inclusive, and sustainable society by 2025.
With Dr Irvine’s appointment, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow aims to build on centuries of excellence while addressing the evolving needs of healthcare professionals and the communities they serve. Her leadership comes at a pivotal moment, with a clear focus on sustainability, growth, and delivering gold-standard education and professional services to a global membership.