David Oliver is new president of the RCP

MJA member David Oliver not only writes the news, he is making it — having just been elected the 122 president of the Royal College of Physicians.

Commenting on his election, David said: “I am grateful that the fellows of the RCP have put their trust in me in what was a very close-run contest against some very able candidates. I hope I can repay their faith by serving the college and my fellow physicians over the next four years in what are some challenging times.”

On Twitter David, who uses the Twitter handle @mancunianmedic — and may welcome Elon Musks’ suggestion that the social media platform incorporates an edit function — posted: “To all the lovely people on my timeline I have had so many messages i cant reply to them all but i want you to know how much i appreciated them all. It was a very, very close run thing that went right down to the wire against some brilliant competition. Thank you all.”

And added: “I started the day on my ward (28 patients with Covid) . And will be back in the sky blue scrubs again tomorrow. Only worn a jacket and tie 4 times since pandemic started. Will have to readjust come sep. But I will still be on acute take in AMU/ED.”

True to his word, David — who also ‘attended’ the last MJA quiz in his scrubs, posted a shot of his team.

His election has also given rise to a challenge within the Association, as MJA vice chair, Jane Symons tweeted: “Congratulations David. Your wit, compassion and communication skills will be an asset to the @RCPhysicians. I just hope you’ll still find time for our @mjauk quiz team.”

David will take over from current president, Dr Andrew Goddard, on September, 13 2022.