The theme of this year’s Congress, New Paradigms in Healthcare, is most timely in this era of big data and artificial intelligence. Over the past 25 years, we have seen enormous changes in the science and technology of medical care and these changes only seem to be gathering pace. They create opportunities but also challenges for us in ensuring we nurture wise and compassionate health professionals, while also pushing the boundaries of medical knowledge and making best use of the new tools coming our way.

The Academy’s founding president the late Professor Sir David Todd would have relished these challenges. As our teacher, mentor and former colleague, he always had one eye on the horizon to new developments in medicine, while the other eye was trained on the here and now of practicing with the highest degree of professionalism and always – always – in the best interests of our patients. The 18th century philosopher Edmund Burke said: ‘Example is the school of mankind, and they will learn at no other’. Professor Todd was a fine example to us all and I am sure he is with us in spirit today.

The one-quarter century milestone is a proud moment for the Academy, its fellows, and its generous supporters. I extend my warmest congratulations to everyone who has helped the Academy to grow and thrive and look forward with excitement to seeing how it rises and adapts to the new paradigms that await.