Statement on Dame Clare Marx stepping down from the GMC

"The news that Dame Clare Marx is stepping down from her role as Chair of the GMC is so sad –  sad for the profession and sad for the GMC.

"Clare was FMLM’s second chair and had to relinquish that in favour of the GMC role. She is an amazing person, an inspirational leader with a wonderful combination of integrity, courage and vision, kindness and compassion.

"To those of us privileged to know her well, it is no surprise that she has been the first woman President of the British Orthopaedic Association, the first woman President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England and the first woman to Chair the GMC.

"The whole FMLM team wishes her well in facing her illness."

Mr Peter Lees MBE, FMLM Chief Executive

“Dame Clare’s premature retirement from her pioneering role as the first female Chair at the GMC, and the curtailment of her incredible commitment to medical leadership and clinical practice, is a huge blow for the medical profession.

“Clare’s guidance as a former Chair and original Founding Senior Fellow has been instrumental to the success of FMLM’s work and influence. There are few medical leaders more generous and insightful with their support and expertise.

"I know I speak on behalf of FMLM’s Trustees and the entire Fellowship in wishing Clare our best wishes.”

Professor Mayur Lakhani CBE, FMLM Chair