West Cumbria's Louise Buchanan assumes prestigious BCS role

Louise Buchanan, who grew up in West Cumbria, is a consultant cardiologist and medical director for professional standards at North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, but has also had a varied national and international career.

In 2022, she assumed the position of treasurer of the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions.

Ms Buchanan said: "I am committed to ensure all individuals working within the field of cardiology are equally represented.

"I understand the challenges that can arise within cardiology and how professional and society values are crucial for each and every one of us.

"All individuals should have equality of access to training and development, regardless of their background.

"It is key that medical leadership is diverse and we remove barriers to career progression.

"Throughout my own career, I have built strong networks and worked collaboratively with my peers to promote women in cardiology and ensure sexism or discrimination of any kind are not tolerated in the workplace.

"It is important that as professionals working within the field of cardiology, we support the BCS and the mission to set standards of clinical excellence for the benefit of patients and maintain the highest standards and good practice.

"We must also ensure a sustainable future for our specialty.

"I have the enthusiasm, skills and motivation to be vice president for professional and society values in the BCS."

Adrian Clements, executive medical director at North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Dr Buchanan is a leading role model in her field and we’re very proud to have her working in our organisation.

"She is a shining example of our ‘grow your own’ plan to recruit and train doctors locally so we have a more sustainable workforce for the future."

More information about the British Cardiovascular Society is available at https://www.britishcardiovascularsociety.org/home.