The British Medical Association has announced that Rachel Podolak has been appointed as its new national director, Wales.

She will lead the team of staff in Wales and provide advice to elected representatives on major issues affecting the working lives of doctors and healthcare policy in Wales.

Rachel will join BMA Cymru Wales from the General Medical Council where she is currently responsible for setting the strategic direction for the GMC’s work in Wales.

She first joined the BMA 10 years ago, initially as part of the BMA’s graduate scheme, and went on to hold posts in the junior doctors and consultant committees.

“Wales has been leading the way on a number of health and social care issues which BMA Cymru Wales has been actively involved with, including becoming the first UK country to introduce a soft opt-out system for organ and tissue donation<“ she said.

“I’m looking forward to using my experience to continue to ensure that BMA Cymru Wales continues to push for better quality health care in Wales.

“My focus will be on supporting and representing members in Wales, and to continue working in collaboration with Welsh Government.”

Dr Phil Banfield, Chair of the BMA in Wales, said, “We’re thrilled with the appointment. As health policies in Wales increasingly diverge from a UK-wide model it brings new challenges and opportunities for doctors and the healthcare profession, making the BMA’s work in Wales more important than ever.

“BMA Cymru Wales will be in good hands.”