MDU continues its ‘doctor for doctors’ ethos with new chief
Matthew Lee
The Medical Defence Union (MDU) has appointed Dr Matthew Lee as its new chief executive to take over from Dr Christine Tomkins, who retires in September.
She has been in the role since 2009 and worked for the MDU for more than 36 years.
Dr Lee is currently director of professional services with responsibility for key services MDU members rely on, including 24-hour medico-legal advice, claims handling, legal services and clinical risk management.
He joined the MDU in 2000 from a background in paediatrics and anaesthetics in the Wessex region. He initially worked for the company as a medico-legal adviser and clinical risk manager before taking on broader management responsibilities.
Dr Christine Tomkins
Dr Lee said: ‘During the pandemic, our members have been under tremendous pressure and we know that many challenges lie ahead, such as supporting them with increasing numbers of complaints and claims.’
He said the defence body aimed to broaden its range of benefits and services in line with being a not-for-profit, wholly member-owned company.
Chairman Dr Paul Riordan-Eva said: ‘We are proud to continue our long tradition of being the only UK medical defence organisation with a doctor at the helm.’