The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) invites its fellows to apply for the role of special adviser on obesity.
RCP fellows are invited to apply to be its adviser and spokesperson on one of the most important and topical public health issues. The role holder will also provide strategic direction for the RCP to continue to impact this area of public health. In addition, the role holder will provide clinical/academic oversight for the three new clinical fellows in obesity, coordinating the agreed research outputs from the group. Other stakeholder liaison will be with the Obesity Health Alliance. They will also chair the RCP Advisory Group on Nutrition, Weight and Health, and be a member of the Advisory Group on Health Inequalities.
Who we are looking for
- An expert on obesity with a passion for improving public health
- A collaborative worker with an interest in developing our research, educational, clinical and influencing work
- An articulate, persuasive and authentic communicator who would relish the opportunity to influence key stakeholders and act as a spokesperson for the RCP
- A practising medical doctor who is actively connected with, and credible to, the clinical community. They should hold a licence to practise
- A fellow of the RCP in good standing with the RCP, their employer, and the GMC, who is committed to the vision, mission and values of the RCP, and its Code of Conduct
- The role holder must have the capacity to dedicate an average of 8-12 hours a month RCP work.
Special adviser on obesity
You will play a key role in advising the RCP on matters concerning the prevention, treatment and management of obesity. You will work with the RCP registrar in the direct delivery of your role. Other key relationships are with the Academic Vice President and the RCP’s policy and campaigns team to advise on policy development and key messaging.
You will act as the RCP’s spokesperson on obesity, representing the RCP externally in meetings and to the press. You will be supported by the RCP’s policy and campaigns and media and engagement teams.
You will be clinical supervisor to three new clinical fellows in obesity. You will work with the RCP registrar to oversee the running of the programme.
The special adviser will chair the Advisory Group on Nutrition, Weight and Health and be a member of the Advisory Group on Reducing Inequalities in Health and Wellbeing. They are involved in our work with the Obesity Health Alliance, supported by the policy and campaigns team.
The role holder is not remunerated, but the RCP will reimburse reasonable expenses in accordance with RCP policy, such as travel and accommodation for meetings.
Application and deadline
The role is open to all RCP fellows in good standing, including SAS doctors. The deadline for applications is midday on 3 October 2023. Ideally shortlisted candidates will be available for virtual interview on Tuesday 24 October 2023.
Application is via a short CV and cover letter detailing how you would meet the expectations of the role. We would also like you to do a short (7 mins) presentation at interview in response to a predetermined question.
Please send your application to alison.shore@rcp.ac.uk no later than midday 3 October.
Informal enquiries are welcomed:
Timeline
- Application deadline: Midday 3 October 2023
- Shortlisting: Week following application deadline
- Interviews: Tuesday 24 October 2023 by Microsoft Teams
- Start date: To be agreed before end of year 2023
- Tenure: Three years with the opportunity to extend by mutual agreement.
Panel
- Professor Cathryn Edwards, RCP registrar, Chair
- Claire Burroughs, RCP executive director comms policy and research
- Professor Rajesh Thakker, FRCP
- Dr Rajaratnam Mathialagan, RCP censor
- TBC
The RCP positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.
The RCP is all about our people – our members, staff, volunteers and leaders. We educate, influence and collaborate to improve health and healthcare for everyone and know we can only do this by being inclusive, encouraging and celebrating diverse perspectives. Welcoming into our community people who represent the 21st-century medical workforce and the diverse population of patients we serve is a priority for us.