Meghana Pandit, an Indian-born professor, has been named the first woman of color to lead Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Meghana, who was appointed on a temporary basis in 2022, has now been appointed permanently following a rigorous and competitive process that culminated in an extensive national and international recruitment search.
The interview panel unanimously agreed that she was the best choice, and the recommendation was approved by the Council of Governors on February 15.
Professor Jonathan Montgomery, Chair of Oxford University Hospitals, said in a statement: “I am delighted that Meghana has now been appointed to the CEO role on a permanent basis and I am looking forward to working with her personally in what promises to be an exciting new era under her leadership.”
He added that she has a strong focus on staff engagement and building the patient voice into the strategic development of the Trust.
“Her approach is strongly aligned with our Trust values and with our vision of delivering compassionate excellence to our patients,” Montgomery said.
Meghana’s appointment will be effective on March 1, 2023.
Meghana received her MBBS from the University of Bombay and trained in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in the Oxford Deanery before becoming a visiting lecturer in Urogynaecology at the University of Michigan in the United States.
“It is a privilege to be asked to lead OUH on a permanent basis and I look forward to continue working with colleagues at OUH, our partners in the health and social care system in Oxfordshire and across the BOB Integrated Care System, our partner Universities, and Oxford Hospitals Charity, to ensure the highest quality of research and innovation enabled care for our patients and populations,” Meghana said in an OUH release.
“I am proud to have the opportunity to continue leading with compassion and respect for others, with a desire for excellence,” she said.
Meghana worked as a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist and divisional director in Milton Keynes before becoming Chief Medical Officer at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust from May 2012 to December 2018.
Source:OCN