Carol M. Black DBE, FRCP, FMedSci.
Dame Black is the National Director for Health and Work and Chair, Nuffield Trust for Research and Policy Studies in Health Services.
An active and highly-successful career in medicine has been followed by an accelerating career of engagement at high levels in a wide range of social, political and inequality issues.
A late entry into medicine, following a first degree in history and a diploma in medical social work, led to a professional career combining clinical practice, teaching, clinical science and medical management. The specialized service that Dame Black established for scleroderma and connective tissue disease at the Royal Free and University College Medical School has become a world-leading centre.
This medical career, with experience of senior management at board level, culminated in election as President of the Royal College of Physicians (2002–2006), followed by Chairmanship of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (2006–2009) and appointment as Chairman of the newly-reformed UK Health Honours Committee (2006–2009).
As President of the Royal College of Physicians, Dame Black instituted evidence-based inquiries into medical professionalism, the delivery of acute medical care, and women in medicine. She also oversaw modernization of the College’s board and management.
At the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges Dame Black raised the profile of the institution as an authoritative voice of UK medicine. Its views and collaboration on significant health issues are now sought regularly by government. She also led the way in strengthening corporate governance, consensus-building and strategic planning.
Out of this has come close national engagement in a wide range of health and socio-economic issues. For example, Dame Black has recently been invited to chair the governance board of the new Centre for Workforce Intelligence, which in May 2010 will commence overseeing workforce planning for health and social care.