Clinical fellows scheme to be renamed in honour of Clare Marx
The General Medical Council’s (GMC) clinical fellows scheme is to be renamed in honour of the Dame Clare Marx, who stepped down as Chair of the GMC in 2021.
Clinical fellows join the GMC each year through the National Medical Director’s scheme, managed by the Faculty of Medical Leadership and Management (FMLM).
The scheme gives doctors the opportunity to spend time in dedicated out-of-programme placements, gaining experience in national NHS and healthcare-related organisations.
Prior to joining the GMC as its first female Chair in late 2018, Dame Clare chaired the FMLM and was instrumental in establishing the clinical fellows initiative. From this year, those fellows joining the GMC cohort will be known as the Marx clinical fellows.
"The ability for doctors to lead the change needed in the health service is something I have been passionate about throughout my career."
Dame Clare Marx
Dame Clare Marx said:
‘The ability for doctors to lead the change needed in the health service is something I have been passionate about throughout my career. I have been incredibly fortunate in my working life to have been influenced and guided by strong mentors who were prepared to lead with care, curiosity and commitment.
‘As Chair of the GMC I relished the opportunity to promote compassionate leadership. I am honoured and delighted to be connected to the work that future clinical fellows will continue at the GMC.’
Announcing the news at GMC’s 2022 conference today (Wednesday 4 May), acting Chair Dame Carrie MacEwen said:
‘I took on the role of interim Chair of the GMC in July last year when Clare, very sadly, had to step down due to ill health. I would, of course, rather have taken up this position under almost any other circumstances.
‘But Clare had made such a strong start to her tenure, and had such sound priorities, that I’ve been honoured to be able to take the reins for a time, to continue some of the important conversations and relationships that Clare started, and to build on those foundations.
‘And that’s why I’m delighted to announce that from next year onwards, doctors who join the GMC on a clinical fellowship placement will be known as Marx fellows.’
Clinical fellow schemes are a chance for clinicians to learn about the GMC and its role in the medical community and, in turn, the GMC benefits from doctors’ experiences and skills. There are currently six clinical fellows working across the GMC’s teams in the UK.
