Effective February 26, 2025, Marcia Clark, MD, FRCSC, is the 48th President of the Royal College. In this new role, Dr. Clark will lead the advancement of quality medical education and practice, ensuring excellence in specialty training and fostering the highest standards of healthcare in the country. Dr. Clark aims to champion the implementation of the strategic priorities and advance the CanMEDS Framework.

“As president, I am eager to understand the needs of our membership as we navigate the ever-changing landscape of health care,” says Dr. Clark. “Whether it's exploring how technology is integrated into our practices, recognizing the environmental impacts on health, or addressing the challenges within our work environments, my goal is to ensure that our members feel supported and empowered to thrive. The Royal College's role is increasingly dynamic, and I’m committed to leading us through this journey.”

Dr. Clark is a leading orthopedic surgeon specializing in arthritis care at the University of Calgary and served as deputy head of surgery for Alberta Health Services Calgary Zone, overseeing over 400 surgeons and managing operational planning for five hospitals, which performed 125,000 surgeries annually. Her leadership was crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic, enhancing her expertise in health policy and administrative decision-making.

Since 2008, Dr. Clark has been an active member of the Royal College Council, serving on various committees, including the Executive Committee, the Committee on Specialties, and the Simulation Accreditation Committee. As vice-chair of the Board of Royal College Canada International, she helped develop entrustable professional activities and implement competency-based medical education internationally.

Additionally, Dr. Clark is a pioneer in medical education, having co-developed and taught the Simulation Educator Training (SET) course delivered by the Royal College for over a decade. She has represented the Royal College on international platforms, co-chaired the 2017 Simulation Summit, and contributed to the design of the International Conference on Residency Education (ICRE) and ICRE-China programs. She has also been the Surgical Foundations program director at the University of Alberta and Calgary. 

Brian Hodges, MD, FRCPC, PhD, will support Dr. Clark in his role as Past President.