MDU appoints new chairman and vice-chairman to support member interests

The Medical Defence Union (MDU), the UK’s first and leading medical defence organisation for doctors, today announced the appointment of Dr Simon Watkin and Mr Tom Norfolk as Chairman and Vice-Chairman respectively to the MDU’s board of management. Dr Watkin will take over from Dr Paul Riordan-Eva who is retiring after a long career supporting MDU members.

Previously, Dr Watkin was a full-time consultant physician and director of quality at the University of Liverpool’s School of Medicine. He has also chaired the MDU’s cases committee which reviews high value claims as well as participating in the MDU’s working committees, including the audit, investment, risk advisory and nominations committees.

Based in Cambridgeshire, Mr Norfolk is a clinically active general dental practitioner as well as an educational supervisor for foundation training and a clinical educator for student hygienists. He is also the first dental practitioner to be appointed to the position of vice-chairman of the MDU’s board.

Dr Watkin commented: “It’s a great privilege to be appointed to this role and working with the amazing team at the MDU. I look forward to taking over from Paul and championing the medico-legal interests of our members. The pandemic has meant that our members face greater pressures than ever before, and I know that many challenges lie ahead such as supporting them with increasing numbers of complaints and claims.

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to take on this exciting and worthwhile role and look forward to seeing the MDU go from strength to strength.”

Mr Norfolk said: “At a time of so much change and upheaval for healthcare professionals, it is vital they can rely on the MDU for support when they need it. This has never been more important because doctors and dentists have needed to adapt their practice to the rapidly changing guidance and circumstances of the pandemic.

“As such, I am really looking forward to working with such a dedicated and experienced team.”

Dr Matthew Lee, chief executive at the MDU: “I’m delighted Simon and Tom have become chairman and vice-chairman of the MDU’s board of management. They have a great depth and breadth of experience and a deep understanding of the MDU’s work and our commitment to members.”