In the pink to be supporting breast cancer drive
One of England’s brightest emerging campaigns hosted our women’s healthcare forum chair, at an evening dedicated to raising awareness of breast cancer screening.
Dr Anita Sharma – the medic who launched the Pink Chai drive – took to the stage to remind women that early detection saves lives.
Despite this, uptake rates are still not acceptable, with women from South Asian communities not attending due to stigma, lack of trust in the process and busyness around family issues.
Dr Sharma used her day-to-day experience as a GP to illustrate the perils of not being tested, saying: “I want to say this from one woman to another --
• Please attend the breast screening when you get an invite
• Encourage the women in your families, your communities, and your workplaces to attend their breast screening when invited
• Do self-care. Examine your breasts regularly.
Early detection saves lives.
And every woman deserves to live longer, healthier and happier lives.”
#breastcancer #cancer #womenshealth
Learn more about Pink Chai CIC, by visiting www.pinkchai.org
MP salutes our women's healthcare chair
Inspiring to read that Dr Sharma’s recent visit to the Houses of Parliament made such an impression on MP Elsie Blundell.
Our Women’s Healthcare Forum Chair took endometriosis “warriors” to an All-Party Parliamentary Group discussion on how the condition affects the workplace – where they clearly made an impact – go to https://www.rochdaletimes.co.uk/campaigners-want-better-workplace-support-for-endometriosis-sufferers/
Dr Sharma’s work is typical of that done by many members of BIDA, who serve the community even when they are not on shift!
Awareness raising around cancer screening, diabetes, cardiovascular health, the menopause and of course, endo, have been greatly boosted by our compassionate membership – and we are always happy to praise their charitable work.
If you are a medic coming to the UK to practice, why not join our caring family by using the link above to Join Bida
Speaker's corner
Pictures of those who took to the podium at our BIDA National Conference have now been posted at BIDACONFERENCEPICTURES
You will also have noticed a series of articles on both our news page and that of other organisations including the National Forum for Wellbeing (https://nfhw.org.uk/) and Endometriosis Awareness North – go to https://endometriosisawarenessnorth.com/
There are still a couple of stories to come from us too, which include reports on a CESR slot and an appraisal/revalidation breakout session.
Dose of physician heal thyself at conference
BIDA's annual gathering heard how stress, anxiety and poor wellbeing had become, "the chilling norm" for medics - because of the pressure put upon them.
These manifested themselves in burnout and even dark thoughts, said Dr Chaand Nagpaul CBE co-chair of Doctors in Distress - with racism making life particularly bleak for international doctors.
Some solace came from Dr Sylvia Kama-Kieghe, Founder of AskAwayHealth, who later said her presentation was "Not just about the experience of international doctors — but how we improve care for all doctors, and ultimately for our patients."
One innovative solution to improve wellbeing was offered by the founder of the School of Biophilia, Mrs Ann Vannier. This organisation works with educators, designers, community groups, and individuals to integrate natural elements into spaces and daily life, and Mrs Vannier said: "This is more than just about a pot plant here and there. The architecture of your building is a health intervention. Notice it. Change it. Challenge it."
Engaging those from far-to-reach communities was the topic of Professor Robert Campbell's presentation (read more at https://nfhw.org.uk/). A Trustee of the National Forum for Health and Wellbeing, he outlined how Health Melas had brought health information to communities in Lancashire, removing barriers to information, screening, and advice.
Our Mission
BIDA aims to support, encourage, train and acknowledge the wonderful work of Britain’s international doctors and dentists, without whom our NHS would simply collapse. We also promote understanding, tolerance, equity and fairness – join us, today at Join BIDA | British Internationa
The comfort of financial security
BIDA has worked in partnership with Quilter financial advisers since 2021.
The Wealth Management company give our membership sound investment and other monetary advice to enable them – and their families – to have a sound financial future.
Read more at QUILTERPARTNERSHIP
From the President
Watch a message from our President on the 50-year-anniversary of BIDA and why we are founded on a philosophy of “friendship, dignity, respect and service above oneself.” https://www.youtube.com/shorts/C1HVB3oy2e8