Dr. Joanne Williams, Chief Executive of the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Lead CEO for the National Orthopaedic Alliance, has been awarded an honorary doctorate by Aston University. This prestigious recognition celebrates Dr. Williams' outstanding contributions to healthcare leadership over nearly 25 years.
The honorary doctorate was given during a graduation ceremony held at the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham, presided over by Aston University Chancellor, Dr. Jason Wouhra. The ceremony took place on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, marking a significant milestone in Dr. Williams' career.
Dr. Williams has been a pivotal figure in healthcare, both within the NHS and the private sector. Her extensive experience spans various roles in procurement and senior operations at major hospitals, including Chesterfield Royal Hospital, Wythenshawe Hospital Manchester, and University Hospitals Birmingham. In 2017, she was appointed Chief Operating Officer of the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital before becoming Chief Executive in 2019.
As the Lead CEO of the National Orthopaedic Alliance, Dr. Williams plays a critical role in uniting the leading specialist providers of orthopaedic healthcare. The alliance fosters collaboration among members, enabling the sharing of best practices and addressing common challenges. Her leadership in this role underscores her profound impact on the orthopaedic healthcare landscape.
Dr. Williams has also been a prime partner to Aston Medical School, providing invaluable clinical placements for students and enhancing their educational experience. Additionally, she serves as a trustee of Arthritis UK, further demonstrating her commitment to advancing healthcare and supporting those affected by musculoskeletal conditions.
Reflecting on this honour, Dr. Williams said, "This is a great honour. I have been fortunate to work with so many inspirational people during my career and I owe a debt of gratitude to all those who have supported me, mentored me and enabled me to lead. I’m very grateful to the team at Aston for their continued support, their expertise and their unwavering commitment to education and partnership.”
