The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has appointed Dr Sarah Clarke to its Board of Trustees, who will take up her role on 16 October 2018.
Dr Clarke is a clinician working as a consultant interventional cardiologist at Royal Papworth Hospital, Cambridge and has recently finished her tenure as President of the British Cardiovascular Society (2015-18).
Her previous roles mean she will bring a breadth of managerial, cardiology and NHS experience to the BHF, having held strategic leadership positions on a regional, national and international level.
Dr Clarke is also an elected member of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and holds several leadership roles at the American College of Cardiology (ACC). In March 2018, she was awarded the prestigious ACC International Service Award for her dedication and passion to the college.
Dr Doug Gurr, the BHF’s Chairman, said: “We’re excited to welcome Dr Sarah Clarke to the Board. Her vast experience in both cardiology and senior leadership roles mean she will be invaluable in helping the BHF build on its position as the UK’s leading funder of cardiovascular research. She will also play a valuable role in helping the charity turn these research breakthroughs in to improvements in care for patients.”
I’ve seen first-hand the huge impact BHF research has had in improving the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of all heart and circulatory diseases
Commenting on her appointment, Dr Clarke said: “I am delighted to be joining the BHF’s Board at this exciting time in the charity’s journey. From my experience as a cardiologist, I’ve seen first-hand the huge impact BHF research has had in improving the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of all heart and circulatory diseases. However, with seven million people still living with these conditions, I also know how big a challenge we face in turning promising research in to new treatments that could help save more lives. I hope my experience within the NHS and at the forefront of UK cardiology can help the BHF achieve this.”
The British Heart Foundation is the UK’s largest funder of cardiovascular research, thanks to the donations and custom of its many supporters. Between 2015 and 2020 the charity aims to fund more than £500 million of research that could save and improve the lives of millions of people living with heart and circulatory disease in the UK, and worldwide.