Claudia Blake
A consultant gastroenterologist from Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Professor of Gastroenterology at the University of Sheffield has been elected as the President Elect of the British Society of Gastroenterologists, one of the world's leading gastroenterology organisations.
Professor Sanders will support the new President Dr Harriet Gordon for a period of two years before becoming President himself in June 2028.
Professor Sanders is an internationally recognised gastroenterologist who has pioneered small bowel disease and endoscopy, improving the lives of thousands of adult patients living with coeliac disease both nationally and internationally. This includes the development of new approaches to diagnosis, treatment and patient management that have influenced centres in the UK and beyond.
Over the past few decades, he has been instrumental in establishing the city as an international hub for gastroenterology, growing the Academic Unit of gastroenterology at the University of Sheffield into a World Endoscopy Organisation (WEO) Centre of Excellence. The unit is one of only two UK centres to hold the prestigious status.
He also played a pivotal role in Sheffield Teaching Hospitals being designated as an NHS England National Centre for Refractory Coeliac Disease. Refractory coeliac disease is a very rare complication of coeliac disease and increases the risk of certain types of cancer.
He holds numerous national and international awards for his research and clinical work, and is Chair of the Coeliac UK Health Advisory Council and a former President of the International Society for the Study of Coeliac Disease (2015-2019).
Reacting to his election, Professor David Sanders said: "I look forward to working alongside BSG President Dr Harriet Gordon to support our brilliant gastroenterology workforce and listen directly to every member to ensure they feel valued and engaged."
Related articles:
- Coeliac patient thanks medics who spotted cancer - BBC News
- Sheffield Hospitals' joins elite group of endoscopic centres recognised as international Centres of Excellence
- International acclaim for leading gluten expert
