New Chair of the Faculty
Dr Pols is a Fellow of the Faculty and has worked extensively as a clinician and manager within remote and humanitarian healthcare.
The Faculty of Remote, Rural & Humanitarian Healthcare (FRRHH) is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Thomas Pols as Chair of the Faculty, following the recent recruitment process.
Dr Pols is an experienced physician and global health leader with over 15 years of international experience spanning occupational health, clinical governance, and humanitarian medicine. His career includes senior leadership roles at Shell, where he managed health services across multiple regions including remote sites in Iraq, Oman, Mauritania, and offshore Australia and led major crisis responses such as COVID-19 and vaccine strategy. His earlier work with Médecins Sans Frontières reflects his long-standing commitment to delivering care in challenging, resource-limited environments.
Dr Clare McNaught, ºìÐÓÊÓƵ Vice President, welcomed the appointment:
"We are thrilled to welcome Dr Thomas Pols as Chair of the Faculty of Remote, Rural & Humanitarian Healthcare. Thomas brings a wealth of experience in both strategic health leadership and front line medical delivery. His vision and energy will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our community of professionals working in the most remote and austere healthcare settings worldwide."
Dr Clare McNaught
Reflecting on his appointment, Dr Pols said:
It is a privilege to lead this Faculty. The FRRHH represents a vibrant global community of healthcare professionals dedicated to delivering care where it is needed most whether in rural communities, remote industrial sites, or humanitarian crises.
Dr Thomas Pols
He added a personal note of gratitude to the outgoing Chair:
I would like to sincerely thank Professor Rikard Moen for his outstanding leadership and commitment to building and championing this Faculty. His work has laid a strong foundation for our next chapter.
Dr Thomas Pols
Looking ahead, Dr Pols commented:
I am excited to work with colleagues to expand the Faculty’s reach, foster global collaboration, and promote innovation in delivering healthcare in the world’s most challenging environments. Together, we can continue to support and connect professionals who are making an impact where healthcare is most difficult to provide.
Dr Thomas Pols
Whether you are a practitioner in a remote clinic, a humanitarian health responder, or an academic in global health, the FRRHH offers a professional home for those committed to excellence in remote, rural, and humanitarian healthcare. Visit our Faculty page to learn more about the Faculty and how to join.