Professor Mary Bishop appointed Director of Learning at Royal Society of Medicine

The Royal Society of Medicine has appointed Professor Mary Bishop as its new Director of Learning.

Professor Bishop will oversee the charity’s drive to deliver multidisciplinary specialist and general education as well as professional development for healthcare professionals, as set out in its 2021-2026 strategy Better Healthcare for Better Lives.

She will oversee the RSM’s renowned education programme and lead the development of innovative learning experiences for future generations of healthcare professionals.

Professor Bishop has had an extensive career in education, technology and industry. Most recently, she led a commercial and education consultancy focusing on developing innovative, digital teaching and learning models, governance and risk management, and regulatory compliance.

Professor Humphrey Scott, Dean of Education at the Royal Society of Medicine, said: “This is a crucial appointment for the RSM as we move into the next phase of our illustrious history.

“I am very much looking forward to working alongside somebody of Professor Bishop’s calibre as we ensure the RSM remains relevant for another 200 years.”

Professor Bishop was previously the Director of Learning for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Global where she led the ACCA qualification, CPD for accountants/auditors and the ACCA finance qualifications for non-accountants. Prior to that, she held a number of leadership roles in higher education including cross faculty Dean and international Director. She has recently finished a four-year term as a Commissioner on the UK all-party think tank, the Higher Education Commission, is a Queen’s Anniversary Prize Higher Education Panellist and sits on the British Accreditation Council. 

Professor Bishop said: “The past two years have underlined just how important continuing education is for healthcare professionals and the vital role that the Royal Society of Medicine plays in disseminating knowledge and stimulating new ideas and debate.

“It’s a privilege to be a part of that and I’ll draw on all my experience and expertise to help the organisation achieve its strategic goals.”