Karen Shepherd stands down as President of BAA

Karen has made the following statement after stepping down as President of the British Academy of Audiology (BAA).

“The coronavirus global crisis has impacted on all our lives in ways that we never could have predicted. In these unprecedented times, we have all been forced to reflect and refocus on our personal and professional priorities. Knowing the support my family need and the demands of the future challenges faced as Boots Hearingcare rebuild their business I have concluded that I do not have the capacity to give everything I would want; in the way I would want to BAA. It is therefore with a heavy heart that I have taken the tough decision to step down as President of BAA.

“I have supported BAA since its formation and BAAT before that. I have been on Board since 2014 and am proud that we have driven positive changes for our patients and the profession across sectors in this time. Since my Presidency and the onset of this Covid crisis I am particularly proud of how we have worked collaboratively to create high-quality guidance, listened and shared with members and built bridges with ENT UK.

“I remain committed to focusing on the patient need at this difficult time and supporting our profession. Thank you for the opportunity and for the support shown to me. I wish Kath Lewis, Vice President and BAA members all the very best.”

Kath Lewis on behalf of BAA Board would like to thank Karen for her commitment and work for BAA. “It has been a very intense time for all our profession since the global pandemic struck in March. Karen has led BAA through this challenging time for which there has been no manual to follow. Karen and BAA Board have led the way, providing support and information to BAA members and the wider profession. We are grateful for the commitment she has shown to BAA and we understand her reasons for now needing to focus on her personal and employer needs. We wish her well in the future.”