Mr James Johnson is resigning as Chairman of Council
From Mmc
Mr James Johnson is resigning as Chairman of Council , the British Medical Association ( BMA ) announced today ( Sunday 20 May 2007. )
Mr Johnson, a vascular surgeon in the North West of England has been Chairman for almost four years.
Confirming his resignation Mr Johnson said : “ I had intended not to seek re-election for a fifth and final year of office at elections in June. My early resignation has been precipitated by unhappiness within the Association over a letter I sent to The Times last week, which I wrote with Dame Carol Black, Chairman of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, and without consulting my senior BMA colleagues. “
Dr David Pickersgill, Treasurer of the BMA said : “ The letter referred to the current problems over the Government’s mishandling of the appointment system for junior doctors, known as MTAS. While it reflected the Association’s agreed position of working towards a pragmatic solution for this year, its tone failed to reflect the anger being currently expressed by members of the Association, particularly junior doctors .It was felt to be insufficiently sensitive and has led to a loss of confidence in the chairman.
“ Mr Johnson has served his profession with distinction for almost 40 years.”
“The BMA continues to be the robust voice of doctors, with renewed determination to engage with its grass roots. We remain resolved over the next days and weeks to get junior doctors’ training right – for their sakes and those of their patients. “
The BMA will now consider the process for electing a new chairman and the interim arrangements which need to be put in place.
Mr Johnson said: "I have worked with the BMA since my first attendance as a medical student in 1969. Since then, I have led both the junior doctors and the consultants, before becoming Chairman of Council. It has been a tremendous privilege to serve my colleagues through the BMA. I have enjoyed it all enormously. I give my heartfelt thanks to all the staff of the BMA, and wish my successor and the Association well. "
