BMA Cymru Wales appoints member-focused director
BMA Cymru Wales has appointed Rachel Podolak as its new national director.
Ms Podolak will join BMA Wales from the GMC, where she is currently responsible for setting the strategic direction for the GMC’s work in Wales.
She first joined the BMA 10 years ago, initially as part of the BMA’s graduate scheme, and went on to hold posts in the junior doctors and consultant committees.
Commenting on her appointment, Ms Podolak said she was delighted to take on the 'challenging and exciting new role'.
She said: 'Wales has been leading the way on a number of health and social care issues which BMA Cymru Wales has been actively involved with, including becoming the first UK country to introduce a soft opt-out system for organ and tissue donation.
'I am looking forward to using my experience to continue to ensure that BMA Cymru Wales continues to push for better quality healthcare in Wales.'
Ms Podolak (pictured) added: 'My focus will be on supporting and representing members in Wales, and to continue working in collaboration with the Welsh Government.'
Responding to the appointment, BMA Cymru Wales council chair Phil Banfield said: 'We are thrilled with the appointment. As health policies in Wales increasingly diverge from a UK-wide model it brings new challenges and opportunities for doctors and the healthcare profession, making the BMA’s work in Wales more important than ever.
'BMA Cymru Wales will be in good hands.'
Ms Podolak will take up her post in November and takes over from Richard Lewis who, after 12 years as Welsh secretary, left to join the Welsh Government as its national lead for primary care in Wales.
