Dr Nóra Murray-Cavanagh has been elected unopposed as the new Chair of the British Medical Association’s Scottish Council, the first woman to take up the post for more than 60 years.
An Edinburgh GP working in Wester Hailes, Dr Murray-Cavanagh said it was a “privilege” to take up the post at a time of both “challenge and opportunity” for the profession.
Dr Murray-Cavanagh, who is currently deputy chair of Scottish Council, will serve a three-year term and will take up the post from 9 September, the council’s next meeting.
She takes over from Dr Iain Kennedy, who remains in post until the formal handover at the council meeting.
Dr Murray-Cavanagh said:
“I am honoured, and genuinely excited, to be the next Chair of the BMA’s Scottish Council.
“Across Scotland, doctors and medical students are facing significant pressures, but we've also seen what can be achieved when we come together around a shared purpose. That sense of unity and momentum is something I want to build on during my time as chair.
“I want doctors and medical students to be able to finish the day proud they've been able to do the best they can for their patients. The hardest parts of our jobs should be the complexity of clinical care, the trauma both physical and psychological that patients carry, and the emotional demands on us in our roles caring for them. The hardest parts should not be worries about job security, pay, training opportunities, childcare, or the organisational barriers that make already demanding roles more difficult than they need to be.
“These challenges are not inevitable. I'm an optimist by nature, and I believe that when we work together across the profession, and alongside governments and other partners, we can create careers in medicine that people are able to flourish and thrive in, not simply endure. And this is equally good news for patients. If we're serious about tackling Scotland's deep-rooted health inequalities, we need doctors who are supported, valued and able to work to the full extent of their skills and abilities.”
On being the first woman to take up the role since the 1960s, Dr Murray-Cavanagh said:
“I am proud of the significance of that milestone, but I see it as part of a wider story about representation and inclusion. Diverse leadership makes organisations stronger. It broadens perspectives, improves decision-making and helps people feel that they belong and can see themselves in leadership roles.”
And paying tribute to the outgoing chair, Dr Murray-Cavanagh added:
“I also want to thank my predecessor, Dr Iain Kennedy. The integrity that marked his whistleblowing work has continued through his time as chair in the form of thoughtful, principled advocacy on behalf of the profession. His deep belief in the NHS, and his willingness to speak honestly about the challenges we face, have been evident throughout his leadership, and I am grateful for all he has contributed to BMA Scotland."
Notes to editors
Dr Nóra Murray-Cavanagh is a GP in Lothian, with a longstanding commitment to tackling health inequalities and improving the working lives of doctors.
A Deep End GP, she has worked across Scottish and UK BMA committees on issues including gender equality, public health and medical ethics.
Within the BMA, she has held a range of roles spanning Scottish Council, the Scottish GP Committee, UK GP Committee, the Lothian Local Negotiating Committee, the Medical Ethics Committee, Public Health Medicine Committee and Board of Science. She is also Chair of the BMA Scotland Gender Equality Group and has been closely involved in various BMA work streams including Assisted Dying legislation, health inequalities, public health, workforce planning and NHS funding.
The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.