RCP president steps down “with immediate effect” after physician associates row

Sarah Clarke, president of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), is stepping aside “with immediate effect” as the college enters fresh turmoil in the ongoing controversy over physician associates (PAs).

Clarke, who had been asked by members to step down amid widespread criticism over her leadership,1 will be “available until September to support interim presidential arrangements,” the college said. The RCP council will meet on 3 July to discuss a longer term solution.

The RCP said in a statement on 20 June that it recognised the need for a reset. “This is an unprecedented situation for the college, and our priority during this period of transition is to ensure stability and continue to deliver the priorities of our members,” it said.

The college has already commissioned the King’s Fund to carry out an independent review to learn lessons from its extraordinary …