The Healthcare Communications Association (HCA) has completed its search for a new chairperson with the appointment of Alice Choi, chief operating officer, McCann Health Medical Communications.

Choi takes the voluntary role over from interim chair Aileen Thompson, who stepped down at the end of 2018 when she also ended her tenure as executive director, communications at the ABPI.

Choi was chosen after a comprehensive selection process with applicants from across the healthcare communications sector evaluated by an interview panel and then ratified by the full executive committee. Choi joins the HCA as it presses forward with its evolution, further consolidating its position as the leading healthcare communications organisation championing on behalf of the specialty. Choi will work closely with HCA CEO Mike Dixon, and the organisation’s governance council and executive committee, to help develop and deliver the HCA’s longer term strategy.

Dixon says, “We were delighted to have had so many industry leading professionals put themselves forward to volunteer for this important role. We appointed Alice because of her immense industry experience in medical communications and her experience as an active board member of another trade body, all of which will be valuable for the HCA as it evolves and grows.”

Choi adds, “I am delighted to be able to take up this exciting role at the HCA. I welcome the opportunity to work with Mike and the HCA leadership team, to help drive the organisation forward, adding increasing value to our members and helping shape the future of healthcare communications.” “I hope the experience and insights I can bring to the role, from my work at McCann Health and its Global Scientific Council, will complement the great work already underway.”

Choi is chief operating officer at McCann Health Medical Communications, and executive director of McCann Health’s Global Scientific Council, a platform for the company’s scientific experts to have a voice in medical advances of global impact. She is also a women of influence mentor for Cancer Research UK and a public governor for the Christie NHS Foundation Trust and is based in Macclesfield, Cheshire. Choi is the former chair of the board of trustees for the International Society for Medical Publication Professionals.