Past presidents and chairmen

You can also find out more about our project to shine a light on the College's portraits.

Presidents of the Royal College of Psychiatrists

Dr Adrian James

2020-2023
Professor Wendy Burn

2017-2020
Professor Sir Simon Wessely

2014–2017
Professor Dame Sue Bailey

2011–2014
Professor Dinesh Bhugra

2008–2011
Professor Sheila Hollins

2005–2008
Dr Mike Shooter

2002–2005
Professor John Cox

1999–2002
Professor Robert Kendell

1996–1999
Dame Fiona Caldicott

1993–1996
Professor Andrew Sims

1990–1993
Dr Jim Birley

1987–1990
Dr Thomas Bewley

1984–1987
Professor Kenneth Rawnsley

1981–1984
Professor Sir Desmond Pond

1978–1981
Professor Linford Rees

1975–1978
Professor Sir Martin Roth

1971–1975

See Presidents and Chairs of our predecessor organisations

Read more to receive further information regarding a career in psychiatry