The Medical Schools Council (MSC), which represents all UK medical schools, has elected Professor Steve Riley as its new chair, marking the first time a representative from a Welsh medical school has held the position. Professor Riley steps into the role at a pivotal time, as medical schools and the wider NHS work to modernise training, address workforce shortages, and respond to ambitious healthcare reforms.
Professor Riley currently serves as Pro Vice‑Chancellor of Cardiff University’s College of Biomedical and Life Sciences. A practising clinical academic nephrologist with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, he brings a deep understanding of the relationship between medical education, research, and frontline patient care.
His academic expertise spans curriculum development, leadership in education, and clinical research in diabetic nephropathy. Notably, he led the transformation of Cardiff’s innovative C21 Medicine curriculum, introduced Wales’s first Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship, and played a key role in developing the North Wales Medical School. He is also an alumnus of the Harvard Macy Institute’s international leadership programme and a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Educators.
On his new role, Professor Riley said,
“I am honoured to take on the role of Chair of the Medical Schools Council at a time when collaboration across the sector is more important than ever. The NHS is under significant pressure from financial constraints and workforce shortages and medical schools must respond with innovative solutions. We are already seeing this through the integration of data science, AI, and foundational sciences into curricula to prepare graduates for the future of healthcare.
“As a clinical academic, I know firsthand the vital role this group plays in bridging research, education, and patient care. I am committed to working closely with partners to protect and strengthen this workforce, ensuring we have the skilled professionals needed to drive medical innovation and deliver high-quality care.
“We must also continue to widen access to medicine by making admissions processes more transparent and inclusive. It is essential that we attract students from across the UK, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. Medical schools have been working together on this for more than a decade, and we’re beginning to see encouraging progress.
“I would like to thank Professor Patrick Maxwell for his dedicated leadership and support. I look forward to working with colleagues across the UK through this important period of change, and to strengthening collaboration across all four nations to enhance medical education and training.”
Professor Steve Riley, Incoming Chair, Medical Schools Council
Professor Patrick Maxwell, outgoing Chair of MSC, said,
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as Chair of the Medical Schools Council. Beginning my term in the wake of the pandemic, it was a privilege to witness the resilience and innovation demonstrated by medical schools as they supported students, staff, and the NHS throughout the recovery. I am especially proud of the successful delivery of the first Medical Licensing Assessment, a major milestone for UK medical education that will help ensure consistent and high standards for all our graduates.
“I am grateful for the support of my colleagues across medical schools and the dedicated staff at the MSC. I wish Professor Riley every success in the role and look forward to seeing the Council continue to go from strength to strength under his leadership.”
Professor Patrick Maxwell, Outgoing Chair, Medical Schools Council