FICM Board Election 2024 - Cast your vote!

BERRIDGE, John – York Hospital
Nominated by Dr Jonathan Redman and Dr Thomas Kelly

What experience do you have in local, regional and national committees, projects and initiatives?  

National: NCEPOD, ATLS, Equivalence, AAC, Education

Regional: Networks, Training, Education

Local: Resuscitation, New Hospital Build, Merit Awards, Simulation

Research: Over 50 publications in Nature, Anesthesiology, NEJM, Lancet, BMJ, JAMA, BJA.

FRCPEdin, MRCPathME, FRCA, DipSEM as well as FFICM

32 years as a Consultant in ICUs including Neuro, cardiac, Paediatric, Liver Transplant, DGH and Prehospital

What would you aim to do if elected to the Board?

I would prioritise training. We are losing trainees, in part due to the complexities of dual training. This seems to be impacting our less than full time trainees more. We need to be even more supportive and flexible. There are also tensions regarding ACCP training with the trainee body feeling that they are not as valued as they should be. These need resolving.

Referring doctors increasingly ask for support with elderly frail patients. We need to educate referring teams what Critical Care can and should offer. We also need to engage the public and discuss with them what ICU care is appropriate in our ageing population. I would look at developing dialogue with referring teams and the public.

Issues with delayed discharges is now endemic. We need a national drive and strategy to reduce the harm from delayed admissions and postponed rehabilitation. Robust dialogue with Trusts and the DoH should be ongoing.

We need to recognise that dual anaesthetic trainees perform fewer airway interventions than previously; non-anaesthesia trainees are even more disadvantaged. We need to ensure this key skill is attained and maintained and I would be well placed in developing training and education in this area.

As a Fellow of three colleges, on a standing committee of a fourth, and FFICM, I am uniquely placed to remind Fellows of our multidisciplinary nature as we discuss forming a separate College which comes with threats as well as opportunities.

SHARMAN, Andrew – Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
Nominated by Dr Daniel Harvey and Dr Matthew Williams

What experience do you have in local, regional and national committees, projects and initiatives?  

I have been committed to training throughout my consultant career, since 2009. I have been a Faculty Tutor, Training Program Director and since 2017 was successfully elected to be the Regional Advisor for the East Midlands, where working with my Faculty Tutors, we have reinvigorated ICM training in the region. I have since been elected by the 26 Regional Advisors to be their lead representative to the Faculty since 2022. In this role I have written numerous guidance documents for trainers and Intensivists in training (IiT), for the new curriculum. I have lead Quality Assurance projects regarding training and assessments, designed and interpreted the national trainers and IiT surveys, with the aim, to identify and help solve some of the inevitable issues with ICM training. I report to FICM Training Assessment and Quality (TAQ)committee, as well as to Faculty Board, where all my work has been commended. In addition, I am a Royal College of Physicians PACES examiner and FFICM examiner. I believe training is essential to maintain the integrity of ICM as a speciality. I am considered and diplomatic, but I am not afraid to challenge areas which do not work with a view to continually improve.

What would you aim to do if elected to the Board?

If elected I would continue to represent the trainers and IiT in this important time as we move towards a Royal College. As a full time consultant intensivist, working 8 PA’s a week, I would most certainly represent those of us who remain routed in clinical practice.

GARDINER, Dale – Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
Nominated by Dr Steve Mathieu and Dr Nazir Lone

What experience do you have in local, regional and national committees, projects and initiatives?  

I am hoping to gain your support for re-election.

I may hail from Australia but have made the UK my home since 2002. I have been an ICU consultant in Nottingham since 2005 and a national leader in organ donation for more than a decade.

I love intensive care medicine. I love the teamwork, its multidisciplinary nature, the quality of care we provide and the intellectual stimulation. My job plan has 6.5 PAs of ICM direct clinical care.

I hope I am known for consensus building, genuine care for people and innovation. I founded the national donation simulation course – with its emphasis on mentorship, communication and ethical decision-making. I chaired my hospital’s clinical ethics committee over COVID. I lead the posthumous Order of St John Award for Organ Donation, given now to over 10,000 UK donors and their families. I’m currently co-chair in updating the Code for Diagnosing Death and am the main author for the neurological testing forms.

On the Board I stand for positivity and pragmatism. I have deepened the relationship between FICM and Australia/NZ CICM, through shared webinars and other activities. Since December 2022 I have had the honour to chair FICM’s Professional Affairs and Safety (PAS) Committee and been very pleased by the greater profile this committee is having in safety, GPICS 3, and as an expert group external organisations consult with.

What would you aim to do if elected to the Board?

If re-elected my top priorities are:

1. Delivering GPICS 3. The draft chapters are coming but publication and implementation lie ahead. My goal is pragmatic standards and deliverable recommendations to drive the service forward, for the benefit of all units across the UK.
2. Standing up for intensive care medicine. There may be difficult years ahead for us, but I have only seen intensive care improve – I don’t intend to let that change now.

SUNTHARALINGAM, Ganesh  – Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow
Nominated by Dr David O'Callaghan and Dr Munita Grover

What experience do you have in local, regional and national committees, projects and initiatives?  

Based in a busy outer London DGH, I have been fortunately able to contribute more widely to UK ICM thanks to supportive local colleagues.

I served the Intensive Care Society on Council (2014–22) and was proud to be its first ethnic minority President (2018-20). I appointed a new CEO (2018) and streamlined the governance to make ICS more agile, responsive and accountable to members.  I strengthened its support for UK research & the FUSIC programme, and enabled multiple new programmes and guidelines. 

During COVID I was active with ICS/FICM colleagues in supporting the profession with guidance, shared learning, public communication, and liaison with national agencies.  I am currently an independent ICU expert witness for the UK Covid-19 Inquiry.

I ran ICS State of the Art for 4 years (2015-17 &’22), developing a dynamic & equitable conference (reaching a 50:50 speaker gender balance in 2022 – an ICM world first – plus the privilege of hosting FICM’s inaugural Women in ICM session in 2016); with emphasis on new faces, rising talent and medical advances e.g. POCUS.

As Clinical Lead of NW London Critical Care Network (2002 – 2014; now Chair since 2020), I brought together colleagues of all grades and unit types; together we developed a collaborative group of ICUs with close inter-unit links, a supportive peer review system, and a record of shared innovation.

Locally I oversaw development of a thriving dept with a flat hierarchy, excellent trainee & SAS feedback, a strong MDT and a united, dynamic consultant body.

What would you aim to do if elected to the Board?

I have a track record of action, and commit to do more, including:

Supporting career progression for specialist & speciality doctors, ACCPs and pharmacists. 

Ensuring that medical advances such as point of care ultrasound & echo are fully recognised in the curriculum.    

Supporting the goal of a UK College of ICM.

WILLIAMS, Tom - Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Nominated by Dr Ajmal Eusaf and Dr Elizabeth Thomas

What experience do you have in local, regional and national committees, projects and initiatives?  What would you aim to do if elected to the Board?

As a Training Program Director for 6 years and Regional Advisor for a further 4 years I have been heavily involved in delivering and improving training for 10 years. In the North-West we are fortunate to be our own School of Intensive Care Medicine and I have seen first hand the benefits that this autonomy brings. These benefits apply to training, workforce planning, rotation expansion and ensuring we have adequate medical workforce for the future. It is these experiences that I would look to bring to the FICM board. I would look to support other interested areas move towards becoming their own School of ICM and ultimately support the FICM’s aim in becoming an independent college.

POONI, Jagtar Singh - The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust
Nominated by Prof Tonny Veenith and Dr Zahid Khan

What experience do you have in local, regional and national committees, projects and initiatives?  What would you aim to do if elected to the Board?

With nearly 40 years in medicine, I bring a deep well of experience, expertise, and motivation to the role of FICM Council member. My long-standing career has been marked by leadership and advocacy for trainees and consultants, beginning in the 1990s with my involvement in the BMA JDC and as Vice Chairman of GAT, attending RCoA Council Meetings.

As a consultant, I served as Faculty Tutor for ICM at New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton (2004-2010) and West Midlands Regional Advisor for ICM (2010-2016), guiding trainees through crucial stages of their careers. I was instrumental in helping doctors navigate the CESR process and achieve GMC Specialist Registration.

My leadership extended to the West Midlands Intensive Care Society, where I held various roles including Treasurer, Secretary, and President (2006-2013). This allowed me to engage with colleagues and contribute to the region's educational initiatives. As Chair of the Birmingham and Black Country Network (2008-2010), I played a pivotal role in the multidisciplinary delivery of Intensive Care, notably developing Transfer Documentation for Inter-Hospital Transfers.

In a broader context, I have represented the medical profession as Secretary and Treasurer of the BMA Shropshire Division, and as a hospital LNC member (2019 to date). My dedication to education is further reflected in my work with the Intensive Care Society as Seminar Lead (2011-2017), and as an ESICM, FICM, and GMC PLAB Examiner.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I led the ICM team, managing services under immense pressure. As Clinical Director (2021 to date), I oversaw the creation of a fully funded ICM CESR Fellow Programme, an ACCP Training Programme, and the expansion of services to meet growing demand.

Looking ahead, I aim to advocate for formal Peer Review of ICUs, foster collaboration among ICB representatives, and work towards the establishment of a College to fully recognise our specialty.

CHAUDRY, Irfan - Royal Preston Hospital
Nominated by Dr Shondipon Laha and Dr Shashikumar Chandrashekariah

What experience do you have in local, regional and national committees, projects and initiatives?  

I have held senior leadership roles within Lancashire teaching hospitals for 9 years; I also work regionally for NHSE Northwest as part of the clinical senate informing healthcare transformation across England and Wales. I served 2 terms on the Independent Reconfiguration Panel supporting the Department of Health and the Secretary of State scrutinising health transformation plans and the working between NHS bodies and local Government ensuring they are fair, and patient centred. Currently I am a clinical Ambassador in the Northwest for the GIRFT programme covering the Urgent and Emergency care pathways as well as Planned Care and Elective Recovery.

Since 2018 I have been a member of FICMPAS (professional affairs and standards committee) for FICM. I am the QI lead for the faculty having edited the critical care section of the QI compendium RCOA, the QI pages on the FICM website and contributing to GPICS. As a committee much of our work is appraisal of national guidelines and policies relevant to our speciality of which I have contributed to several. I also represent the faculty as part of the NELA audit being involved in project design specific to Intensive Care.

What would you aim to do if elected to the Board?

1. Excellence: Upholding high standards in patient care and professional development, promoting Quality Improvement.
2. Workforce Support: Addressing burnout, staffing shortages, and providing mental health resources.
3. Research and Innovation: Championing funding, collaboration, and integrating advancements.
4. Advocacy: Representing ICM professionals in national policy-making and reducing health inequalities.
5. Education and Training: ensuring excellence in our training programmes to continue attracting a wide spectrum of trainees from different backgrounds

I am dedicated to advancing ICM and ensuring our voices are heard. Together, we can build a resilient, innovative, and supportive environment for all ICM professionals.

Thank you for your support.

CLARKE, Sarah Jane – Royal Blackburn Hospital
Nominated by Dr Richard Benson and Dr Daniele Bryden

What experience do you have in local, regional and national committees, projects and initiatives?

It has been a privilege to be elected to, and serve on, The Board of FICM the last 4 years. I am a full-time Consultant in Anaesthesia & ICM since 2003 at The Royal Blackburn Hospital, with 28 Critical Care beds. A major career objective has been driving standards in training & education; from ICM Tutor, Regional Advisor and 4-nation Lead RA, I am now Chair of FICM Training, Assessment & Quality Committee (FICMTAQ). I remain actively involved in delivering post-graduate medical education, locally, regionally & nationally.

I am a FFICM Examiner and since 2016 involved in ICM NTN recruitment.

My achievements serving the Board include:

• Chair of the Faculty Training, Assessment and Quality Committee, leading on all things related to training the Consultant medical leaders of our Specialty, working with partner Colleges, our StR subcommittee, to enhance and optimise working lives
• FICM Membership-wide survey to hear and respond to the views of those we serve
• Implementing and optimising the 2021 curriculum
• Advocacy for all our members, across the UK, and inclusive of all training backgrounds
• FICM Reverse Mentoring Project: enhancing equity, publication in progress
• As CESR Lead I authored FICM Specialty Specific Guidance for GMC evaluation. Portfolio Pathway Assessor
• Representing FICM (and Members’ views) at NHSE, GMC & AoMRC meetings
• Currently developing a ‘Sustainable Curriculum’, fit for a College.

I continue to work locally & in the North-West as Educational Supervisor, mentor and role model.

What would you aim to do if elected to the Board?

If re-elected I will continue to use my enthusiasm, experience and determination to ensure our colleagues of today & tomorrow work in a collaborative, sustainable, resourced and safe environment. Our patients and families come first and require an ICM Consultant-led, standards-driven framework of multi-disciplinary care. Supporting our Specialty, improving our services as we journey along the road to College.

MATSA, Ramprasad – Royal Berkshire Hospital
Nominated by Dr Carl Waldmann and Dr Moses Chikungwa

What experience do you have in local, regional and national committees, projects and initiatives?

I work as a Consultant Intensivist and Acute Physician at University Hospitals North Midlands. My interests are to improve patient outcomes through critical care rehabilitation, multidisciplinary education and research. 

Locally, I lead and manage Comprehensive ICU Rehabilitation service with the full complement of MDT staff and have improved patient outcomes. I developed the “outreach model” of rehabilitating the ICU discharged patients with MDT staff and generating the outcome report to assess their functionality. I have set up the Rehab Garden and published specifications at Critical Eye.

As an active member of the FICM Education subcommittee, I co-lead “Case of the month” section at and FICM education website. Within ESICM, I am involved in the COBATRICE curriculum development and revision. I also serve as an ambassador in rehabilitation section of FREM (Feeding, Rehabilitation, endocrine and metabolism committee). As a founding member of Focussed Acute Medical Ultrasound, I was involved in development of national curriculum. I currently have developed focussed Ultrasound in critical care rehabilitation for physiotherapy colleagues.

I completed original research on “renal biomarkers” and currently involved in research in ICU rehabilitation. I also am part of  steering committee in FREM research group.  

What would you aim to do if elected to the Board?

Having demonstrated achievements through accomplished leadership, education, and research skills within the wider intensive care community and having served and delivered within FICM in several subcommittees (Education, ACCP, I am looking forward for the role in council with a strong desire to support FICM strategies towards

• developing and maintaining the highest quality and safety standards in our specialty
• representing the views of the intensive care community to external organisations
• delivering a comprehensive range of educational opportunities for nurses and AHPs, trainees and consultants for appraisal and revalidation
• promoting and supporting participation in high quality multi-centre research in critical care rehabilitation
• ensuring the patient voice is heard in all decisions of Council.

DAVIS, Peyton – Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Nominated by Dr Graham Barker and Dr David Garry

What experience do you have in local, regional and national committees, projects and initiatives?

I am a current FICMPAS Committee member, having helped with a variety of reviews for national guidance, e.g. NICE guidance & GPICS V3 over the last 6 years.

During 2017-2024 I have been the Clinical Lead & Clinical Director for Adult ICUs & Deputy Chief Medical Officer, all at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Focus on providing mutual aid & PPE during COVID across multiple regions, but also with significant roles in governance and patient safety.

I was previously a clinical advisor to NHS England SE for Critical Care, involved with following national projects: critical care equipment & expansion, nMAb therapy.

During COVID-19 Pandemic Waves 1-2 – my roles involved organising surge planning, equipment, PPE and Ventilators procurement for Oxford University Hospitals and assisted via mutual aid for other hospitals in London, East and SE.

Regularly worked with NHS England, regulators (CQC, NHSE, royal colleges). Led on multiple governance and HR policies, Medical Examiner systems, GMC sponsorship, medical equipment safety alerts.

What would you aim to do if elected to the Board?

My interests remain improving working conditions and clinical environments for staff and patients. The challenge after COVID seems greater in a certain way than during 2020-21. My focus would be on helping the rebuild the critical care workforce. Nationally the long-term effect of COVID and pressures on recovery have resulted in long-term downtrends in the ICU workforce, the biggest challenge for us is to help recover our numbers and standards.

With a background in medical management, governance and also medical education, both for NTN, CESR and also nurse practitioner & consultant roles, I would seek to help support the expansion of all streams of critical care practitioners. I would hope to help increase the collaboration of FICM with partner organisations to increase patient access to ICM, notably the recovery of the NHS to elective and emergency access. Thank you.

Overall principle

• Board members who cannot keep to the roles and responsibilities below will be asked to stand down.

Board functions: Meetings, emails, papers, due process

• Board members must attend all meetings of the Board.  Absence should be for exceptional circumstances and discussed with the Dean and Board Secretary.
• Board members must read papers to be able to engage in discussion at Board meetings.
• Board members must engage with Board email discussion, including replying to consultation requests and urgent policy decisions.  
• Board members must be prepared to submit written reports from meetings they attend on the Board’s behalf if they are not able to give an oral report at a Board meeting.
• Board members must adhere to Board level decisions once taken.
• Board members should try to attend the FICM annual meeting.
• Board members tasked with writing papers for the Board should try to provide these at least two weeks before the date of the meeting where it is due to be discussed to ensure other members have the opportunity to read them.

Capacity and conflicts of interest

• Board members must be prepared to take on additional duties beyond Board meetings, which may include Committee / Working Party membership, representing the FICM on an external group or leading on a piece of work or consultation.  Support will be actively given by the Faculty when trying to negotiate time away with Health Boards and Trusts.
• Board members must list all actual or potential conflicts of interest and be prepared to relinquish any hats where there is direct conflict or to not take part in discussions where there may be a conflict.
• Board members should try to limit their non-hospital / non-job plan responsibilities outside the FICM so they have the capacity to take forward FICM work.
• Board members should try to consult with the Dean before committing to work with external agencies in a personal capacity on matters that may be relevant to the Faculty.

Board members as ambassadors 

• Board members must act as ambassadors to promote the good standing of the Faculty and the specialty of ICM.
• Board members must take decisions with the following priority drivers: for the patient, for the profession, for their organisations, and only then for themselves.
• Board members must be prepared to accept roles offered if they are able to fulfil the role requirements, regardless of their personal interest.  A Board position is not to enable personal self-interest but for the greater good of the specialty and our patients.