Dr Elisa Bertoja

Qualifications

MD, FRCA 

Term of office on Council

2022 – 2028 

Hospital

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 

Biography

Dr Elisa Bertoja (Elli) has been a consultant in anaesthesia and perioperative medicine at University College London Hospitals since 2008.

Graduating in Italy, Elli also trained in Germany and the UK. Her clinical interests focus on anaesthesia for complex major surgeries, including cardiovascular, thoracic, and upper gastrointestinal procedures. She has been deeply involved in medical education and has held several key roles, including Primary and Final FRCA examiner, educational supervisor, College Tutor in Anaesthesia, and Training Programme Director for foundation doctors.

Known for being vocal and open, Elli is a passionate advocate for fairness and equality. During her first three years on Council, she became Chair of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee. This role gave her valuable insight into the College not only as a professional body, but also as a charity and an employer. 

Since 2024, Elli has chaired the Clinical Quality and Research Board (CQRB), collaborating with leading UK figures in research, quality improvement, and good clinical practice in anaesthesia and perioperative care. Working closely with PatientVoices@RCoA and the Ethics Committee has been an unexpectedly enriching and eye-opening experience.

Outside of work, Elisa is highly sociable and enjoys spending time with her friends and family. She has a passion for travel and exploring the beauty of the world. Had she not pursued a career in medicine, she would have been drawn to architecture or geology—especially vulcanology.

Register of Interests

None declared.