The Faculty of Health and Life Sciences is delighted to announce that Ranee Thakar, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), has been appointed Honorary Professor of Women’s Health. Professor Thakar is a highly respected Consultant Obstetrician and Urogynaecologist at Croydon University Hospital and an Honorary Senior Lecturer at St George’s University of London.
Elected President of the RCOG in December 2022, Professor Thakar made history as the first woman of colour and only the third female President in the College’s 96-year history. She is internationally recognised for her leadership in urogynaecology and her commitment to advancing women’s health.
A leading expert in obstetric anal sphincter injuries, Professor Thakar led a national project that successfully reduced injury rates by 20% across multiple maternity units. She is also a passionate advocate for racial equity and inclusion within obstetrics and gynaecology, having developed educational programmes and initiatives aimed at addressing disparities and improving outcomes. Additionally, she champions the enhancement of surgical training for the next generation of gynaecological surgeons.
In her new honorary role, Professor Thakar will collaborate with the Department of Women’s and Children’s Health within the Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, as well as with other institutes and faculties, to support research, education, and clinical innovation in women’s health both in the UK and globally.
Professor Shakila Thangaratinam, Executive Dean of the Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, said: “We are delighted to welcome Ranee Thakar as an Honorary Professor. Ranee has been a huge inspiration to healthcare professionals working to improve the lives of women both in the UK and across the world. Her exceptional expertise and inspiring leadership are of critical importance to our efforts to create impactful research on women’s health and nurture future clinical leaders.”
Professor Ranee Thakar said, “I am truly passionate about championing women’s health and it is a real honour to have been appointed as Honorary Professor of Women’s Health at the University of Liverpool. When I graduated from my medical studies in India, I never thought I would have such fantastic opportunities to collaborate with incredible people and organisations dedicated to making a difference to the lives of women and girls around the world. I look forward to working closely with the University of Liverpool in this exciting new role.”
Professor Thakar’s appointment marks an exciting step forward in strengthening the Faculty’s commitment to excellence and innovation in women’s health.
The announcement comes as the University deepens its collaboration with the RCOG, having recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding during a visit to India. The occasion also marked the launch of the University’s first international campus in Bengaluru, representing a major step forward in UK–India educational collaboration.