A Word from our New President, Mark Knight

Starting My Presidency of IPEM: Building on Strong Foundations and Shaping the Future

Tribute to Anna Barnes

As I begin my presidency, I want to pay tribute to Anna Barnes. Anna, as IPEM’s first female President, has brought remarkable energy, boldness, and a spirit of innovation to the role. Her presidency has been characterised by a genuine commitment to fairness, equality, and inclusion, not just in words but in action. Her leadership saw the creation of the Prioritisation Council and a new volunteer structure, laying the foundation for more transparent and inclusive decision-making. Anna’s warmth, encouragement, and support have been felt by colleagues at every level, and her ability to bring people together—whether at board meetings, national events, or in one-to-one conversations—has made a lasting difference. Her advocacy for women and openness to new ideas have left a lasting legacy. As Anna moves into the role of Past President, I know her wisdom and enthusiasm will continue to shape our direction.

Vision for My Presidency

Stepping into this role, I am committed to building on Anna’s achievements, taking IPEM into a new era of scientific leadership and innovation. This is rooted in the belief that Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering (MPCE) professionals and academics must be at the forefront of delivering key elements of changes in health and care services, prescribed in the NHS 10-year plan and across the world. The coming decade will be defined by transformation—driven by advances in artificial intelligence (AI), digital and medical device technology, genomics, and data science. MPCE professionals and academics are uniquely positioned to contextualise the risks and opportunities arising from these technologies, and our professions should lead these transformation programmes. Alongside traditional roles in MPCE, our translational education, skills and expertise can support programmes in areas such genomics and technological advances across medical specialties.

The Critical Role of MPCE Professionals

Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering professionals provide expertise in diagnostics, therapy, safety, and innovation. Our work underpins patient care, research, and the safe implementation of new technologies. As Chief Healthcare Scientist at NHS Kent and Medway ICB, I see first-hand the impact of our professions on national strategy and service delivery. IPEM must continue to advocate for MPCE professionals to be at the forefront of clinical scientific input, research, and innovation in national Cancer, Diagnostic, and Therapy programmes. IPEM will continue to advocate the vital role of the MPCE professions to government, regulators, national bodies, and partners in Royal Colleges and other professional societies.

Transformation in Health and Care: Three Strategic Shifts

The NHS 10-year plan sets out three strategic shifts, mirrored in health and care transformation programmes across the world, each requiring leadership from MPCE professionals:

• Analogue to Digital: The transition to digital healthcare is accelerating, with AI, wearables, and robotics transforming diagnostics, treatment, and patient monitoring. MPCE professionals should lead the adoption and safe implementation of these technologies, ensuring robust scientific oversight and maximising patient benefit.
• Hospital to Community: As care moves closer to home, our expertise in remote monitoring, digital diagnostics, and medical device integration will be vital. We must work with stakeholders across the NHS, academia, and industry to develop accessible, effective, and equitable solutions.
• Treatment to Prevention: Predictive analytics, genomics, and personalised medicine are shifting the focus from treatment to prevention. By harnessing data and advanced technologies such as wearable devices, MPCE professionals can help identify risk earlier, tailor interventions, and improve outcomes.

The Five Big Bets: Shaping the Future of Healthcare

IPEM must be proactive in embracing the “five big bets” that will shape the future and drive the three strategic shifts:

1. Wearables: Integrating wearable technologies into clinical pathways to support monitoring, early detection, and patient empowerment.
2. AI: Leading the safe and effective implementation of AI in diagnostics, treatment planning, and operational efficiency.
3. Data: Leveraging big data and predictive analytics to inform decision-making and drive improvements in care.
4. Genomics: Supporting the integration of genomics into routine practice, enabling personalised approaches to prevention and treatment.
5. Robotics: Advancing the use of robotics in surgery, rehabilitation, and service delivery, ensuring these innovations are evidence-based and patient-centred.

Inclusive Education, Training, and Upskilling

A central priority for my presidency is to continually enhance education, training, and workforce development so that pathways into MPCE are properly recognised and funded. We must build clear, supported routes into the profession, ensuring people from all backgrounds can see MPCE as a rewarding career. This includes:

• Championing recognised entry routes such as STP, apprenticeship programmes, and NHS clinical training schemes, while supporting the development of new pathways in partnership with others.
• Expanding and supporting training capacity, ensuring supervisors, assessors and educators are properly supported and know what good looks like.
• Promoting the use of digital innovation, new technologies, virtual reality and AI in training to widen participation and enhance learning.
• Ensuring equality, diversity, and inclusion are at the heart of all our programmes.

Collaboration Across Sectors

IPEM’s strength lies in its ability to bring together professionals, academics, and industry partners. I will work to increase collaborative forums and partnerships, maximising opportunities for scientific development, research, and funding. By fostering a culture of openness and innovation, we can ensure MPCE professionals are not only participants but leaders in shaping the future of health and care.

Conclusion

As I take up the presidency, I do so with gratitude for the foundations laid by Anna Barnes and with a clear vision for the future. Together, we can ensure that IPEM remains at the forefront of scientific leadership, driving innovation, and delivering real benefits for patients, professionals, and society.