The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has appointed Professor David Strain as its new Chief Medical Advisor.

Professor Strain, an honorary consultant at the Royal Devon and Associate Professor of Cardiometabolic Health at the University of Exeter Medical School, will take up the position at the end of August. He also holds academic lead and clinical co-lead roles in the NHS and, for the past two years, has served as Thematic Research Lead for Health at the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST).

He has also held a number of senior leadership roles, including Chair of the British Medical Association Board of Science and Medical Advisor to Action for ME.

As Chief Medical Advisor, Professor Strain will provide clinical leadership and expert advice to support the Department’s work, helping ensure clinical evidence and expertise inform policy and service delivery.

Professor David Strain said: “I’m delighted to be joining DWP as Chief Medical Advisor.

“Throughout my career I have been passionate about turning evidence into practical improvements for people, particularly those living with long-term health conditions.

“I look forward to working with colleagues across the Department and its clinical community to strengthen the contribution clinical professionals make to DWP’s work and to the people we serve.”

Read more about the announcement here

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