23/09/2025
This is my first message as President. Having taken over the role just over a week ago I am feeling somewhat daunted, but I am getting stuck in with the support of my RCEM colleagues, both clinical and within the College organisation.
Adrian has stepped down, and although he threatened to demit with a mic drop, is still representing RCEM and providing his invaluable advice.
We’ve been lucky to have a string of excellent Presidents, and he was no exception. He brought wisdom, scientific rigour, steadfast advocacy and complete dedication to the role, and I will miss being in his orbit.
One of my personal goals is to improve the way our College advocates around, and provides leadership in, the field of workplace culture. This will include how we can better provide practical support and information related to the myriad of issues which fall under this umbrella. We are fortunate to have active EDI and Gender Equity Committees to support us in this work.
Culture, and what that means, is something that many of us have been thinking about lately.
Every day news bulletins are full of examples of humanity at its worse – including violence, hatred, and discrimination. I am sure what is happening in the world, and closer to home, has affected all of us in some way, and I know it has affected some much more than others.
Division and community tensions are a hot topic right now and I wanted to address this directly because their effects are spreading and it’s impacting many of you – both at work and in general.
I want you to know how proud I am to be the President of a College with such a diverse membership. It is a privilege and a pleasure to represent and work alongside colleagues from all backgrounds and countries. Within the Emergency Medicine community our diversity is our strength, as is the way we work together to help patients; treating them with respect and professionalism whenever they need our care, and regardless of their own background. We can all be proud of that.
We already know that ED staff experience a range of unacceptable behaviours, including racism, in their working lives. Recent events, and the undercurrents that are becoming more apparent over time, have created insecurity, fear and worry. Many colleagues and friends have expressed feeling vulnerable or even afraid, uneasy in a society to which they belong and contribute, not least through their work.
I encourage everyone – but especially you as Members and Fellows – to be vigilant, empathetic and curious about the experiences of our colleagues, to be aware of the impact that current events might have on different people and communities, and to support each other when necessary.
I know some of you may read this and think it’s just virtue signalling or words written because we should be seen to say something, but that isn’t the intention. I genuinely think it’s important to acknowledge how what is happening in the world, and what is happening in our society, affects us, and our friends and colleagues.
The wellbeing and welfare of EM clinicians is something which I care passionately about, and which I am committed to doing all I can to improve during my presidency.
Please do your best to look after yourselves, and to look out for each other.
Very best wishes,
Higgi
Ian Higginson
RCEM President