Introducing our new Youth Trustee, Taona Makunganya
Taona will play an essential role in ensuring young people’s voices remain central to RCPCH’s work. Studying medicine at the University of Oxford, Taona is motivated to improve quality of care for all. This ethos fuels his fundraising campaigns and ambassador work. As President of the UK’s largest Virtual Medical Society, he presented to thousands of young people on increasing diversity & the importance of growth mindsets.
Responding to his appointment as Youth Trustee, Taona, said:
I’m thrilled to be joining the RCPCH Board of Trustees as Youth Trustee. I am deeply passionate about advocating for children and young people, and ensuring our voices are heard. Working closely with RCPCH’s trustees and dedicated members presents an exciting opportunity to improve child health outcomes, both within the UK and on a global scale.
Member Trustee - Dr Sunil Bhopal
Sunil will play an important role in ensuring that the Board of Trustees fulfils its role in scrutiny and oversight of the RCPCH. Sunil is an academic paediatrician in community child health specialising in the early years. He qualified from Leeds Medical School in 2010 and has been predominantly based in Newcastle upon Tyne since, with three years in London and Haryana, India, and a further year based in Westminster on a national NHS leadership scheme.
Responding to this appointment as Member Trustee, Dr Bhopal, said:
I am excited to be joining the team at a crucial moment in history for child health. I look forward to contributing to the good work of advocating for children and supporting paediatrics in the UK and internationally.
Commenting on the two appointments, Chair of Board of Trustees, Joanne Shaw, said:
I’m absolutely delighted to announce these important additions to RCPCH’s Board of Trustees. We had notably strong candidates for these roles, it was heartening to see a wide range of candidates with a strong passion for child health. I am confident that Sunil and Taona will bring untold value to the Board. I am particularly thrilled to have such a strong Youth Trustee now in post and look forward to recruiting a second Youth Trustee in the New Year.
Sunil and Taona, congratulations again. We are so happy to have you on board.