- World-leading coeliac disease expert from the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, named President-Elect of the British Society of Gastroenterology
- Professor David Sanders’ contribution to medicine and his international reputation in the field of coeliac disease is recognised with the prestigious honour
- In Sheffield, Professor Sanders has built a legacy of transforming workplace culture and medical recruitment, which he now plans to scale across the NHS
- The appointment highlights Sheffield’s status as a leading powerhouse for healthcare education and clinical excellence
A world-renowned clinician and researcher from Sheffield has been elected to lead the British Society of Gastroenterology, bringing a major national accolade to South Yorkshire's healthcare sector.
Professor David Sanders has been named the next President-Elect of the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG). The British Society of Gastroenterology has existed since 1937 but this is the first time that they have had an open voting election that all its members can take part in.
Professor Sanders is a Professor of Gastroenterology at the University of Sheffield and a full-time Consultant at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
He has made a pioneering contribution to medicine and has and international reputation in the field of coeliac disease. As a result, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals is the NHS England designated National Centre for Refractory Coeliac Disease.
Professor Sanders has built a legacy of transforming workplace culture and medical recruitment. Something he now plans to scale across the NHS.
Born in Sri Lanka and raised in Glasgow, Professor Sanders has spent decades working in Sheffield, establishing the city as an international hub for gastroenterology. Under his leadership, the Academic Unit of Gastroenterology at the University of Sheffield has grown into a world-endoscopy organisation centre of excellence, operating in close partnership with Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. It is internationally recognised for its pioneering research, award-winning clinical care, and specialised services.
Professor Sanders has been a trailblazer for progressive working environments in South Yorkshire, pioneering flexible working for clinical staff. He has also been a passionate advocate for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.
Reacting to his election, Professor David Sanders said: “I am incredibly honoured to have been voted as the first elected BSG President, which is a testament to the strength and reputation of the clinical and academic department here in Sheffield and the support of my colleagues. I look forward to working alongside BSG President Dr Harriet Gordon to support our brilliant gastroenterology workforce and listen directly to every member to ensure they feel valued and engaged.”
Professor Sanders is a global authority on gastroenterology. He serves as the Chair of the Coeliac UK Health Advisory Council and is a former President of the International Society for the Study of Coeliac Disease from 2015-2019 (ISSCD). His clinical work has improved the lives of thousands of patients locally and internationally through groundbreaking research. He will serve as President-Elect from June 2026-28 and will then take over as President from June 2028-30.
Professor Tracey Moore, Vice-President and Head of Faculty of Health at the University of Sheffield, said: “We are immensely proud of David for this well deserved recognition. His appointment reflects the international reputation he has earned as a true pioneer in the field of gastroenterology.
“Professor Sanders’ work embodies the University of Sheffield’s mission to shape the future of healthcare through world-class research and purposeful partnerships. By bridging the gap between research and compassionate patient-centred care, his work has not only transformed patients' lives globally but has also established South Yorkshire as a leading powerhouse for clinical excellence.”
The BSG is a registered charity focused on promoting the standard of gastroenterology and hepatology training and clinic practice in the UK. It has over 4,000 members including physicians, surgeons, pathologists, radiology radiologists, scientists, nurses, and dietitians.
Professor Colin Rees, President of the British Society of Gastroenterology, said: "We are delighted to announce that, following the recent election, the next BSG President-Elect will be Professor David Sanders.
“Professor Sanders has a strong track record in Gastroenterology and we are looking forward to him bringing his leadership to the BSG over the coming years.”
The appointment reinforces the region's position at the cutting edge of medical education and patient care.