Friday 12 September 2025
The new President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) has formally taken office.
Dr Ian Higginson was handed leadership of RCEM by Dr Adrian Boyle, who has served as President since 2022, during the College’s Annual General Meeting on 11 September 2025.
Dr Higginson’s appointment was ratified at the College’s Council meeting in January of this year.
He has played an active role in the organisation so far, having previously served as Vice President and a number of other senior roles in recent years.
As Vice President, Dr Higginson has spoken out on numerous occasions about the importance of supporting the Emergency Medicine workforce, particularly during winter.
Outside of RCEM, he is a working Emergency Physician, with a particular interest in Paediatric Emergency Medicine, having also qualified as a GP.
The College looks forward to seeing the direction Dr Higginson takes the organisation in.
Commenting on taking over officially Dr Higginson said: “I’m delighted, and somewhat daunted, to have now been formally handed the reigns of RCEM, and look forward to getting stuck into the role of being an advocate for our members.
“There is no shortage of things to do. EM is not getting the attention it deserves from those with the power to make the difference. My job is to change that – so I’ve got my work cut out. Our members and patients are worth it.
“I also have big shoes to fill. Adrian has led the College exceptionally well over the last few years and his leadership through a difficult time for the specialty has been immense.”
Immediate Past President Dr Boyle said: “It has been an absolute honour and privilege to lead the College and be a voice on behalf of its members. I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting them at numerous events and within EDs around the country, and beyond.
“It’s difficult to anticipate what Dr Higginson is going to be confronted with, but crowding, an increasingly disaffected workforce and governmental apathy towards urgent and emergency care will be likely staples.
“I have no doubt that the College is in safe hands with my successor. He’s been by my side throughout my Presidency, as Vice President of RCEM.
“He knows the ropes well and I look forward to seeing what he will achieve for our members, their colleagues and of course, patients, during his tenure.”
RCEM would like to thank Dr Boyle for his dedicated service to the organisation, and by extension to the Emergency Medicine specialty, during his time as President.
Chief Executive Officer Gordon Miles said: “I congratulate Dr Higginson on officially taking over as our president today and look forward to working alongside him in the coming years.
“I, and all of the college, thank Dr Boyle for his commitment and diligence during his tenure and wish him the best of luck going forward.
“RCEM continues to go from strength to strength with almost 15,000 members across the world.
“During today’s AGM, we were able to look back at the past year and forward to what the College will achieve under Dr Higginson’s lead.”
At the AGM, members received an update on the College’s work from across the past year – including education and exams, as well as RCEM’s Budget for 2025-26, and ongoing policy work.