Mark has an intimate understanding of the work of the PHG Foundation, first joining in 2002 as a Specialist Registrar in Public Health Medicine. In 2005, Mark was appointed consultant in public health medicine and associate director of public health at Peterborough Primary Care Trust, but retained close links with PHG Foundation. He returned in 2012 to take up his current post of Deputy Director, where he has been leading the development and delivery of the work programme and contributing to the strategic development of the organisation including the establishment of its consultancy services.
Commenting on his new role, Mark said:
"I am delighted to become the next Director of the PHG Foundation and to have the opportunity to lead such an expert and successful team. We look forward to addressing the future health and innovation policy challenges. I would like to personally thank Hilary for her leadership, guidance and support. I feel very fortunate to be her successor and to be able to build on her achievements."
Mark graduated in medicine from the University of Edinburgh and trained in general practice before entering public health medicine. A fellow of the Faculty of Public Health and the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, Mark is also a member of the Diagnostics Advisory Committee of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the Royal College of General Practitioners. His special interests include the evaluation and regulation of genetic tests and biomarkers and the commissioning of clinical genetics services. In addition to his work at the Foundation, Mark is the public health advisor to the UK Genetic Testing Network since 2006.
Dr Hilary Burton, founder member and Director since 2010, will continue to contribute her extensive knowledge and experience to the PHG Foundation work programme, particularly, but not exclusively, with My Healthy Future, PHG Foundation’s major new project.
Mark is speaking on 28 November at Healthy futures: genomics and beyond, a one-day conference exploring the future of personalised healthcare.