Impressive health abstracts abound at conference
From diverticulitis to diabetes and therapeutic appendicitis to overuse of antibiotics, a record number of abstracts impressed delegates at the BIDA National Conference.
Medics took to the podium for a short pitch on their research, which also included sessions on bariatric surgery, insights into arterial hypertension, and highlighting chemotherapy for eye cancer - which resulted in a 79% globe retention in patients.
There was even an abstract from Burma on improving GP action compliance for HMR summaries!
Outside the auditorium, there were plentiful poster presentations too - including one on Levothyroxine Prescribing and TSH Monitoring in Primary Hypothyroidism.
Awards were given to the most outstanding submissions - more details of which will be coming soon.
Meanwhile, huge congratulations to all of those who contributed - once again emphasising the hopeful, youthful theme of our 2026 conference.
From research posts to specialities, women need opportunities
The lack of female involvement in healthcare was described as, "an enduring, international scandal" at our annual conference by Professor Kamran Abbasi, Editor in Chief at the British Medical Journal.
Speaking on the "under-representation of women in research" he juxtaposed the issue with similar issues facing people from ethnic backgrounds, saying: "The lack of data means we make bad decisions, excluding certain populations."
Professor Scarlett McNally OBE, past chair Medical Women's Federation felt misogyny extended across the healthcare diaspora. She pointed out that 91% of medics experience sexism at work, and 14% are paid less. Even those receiving treatment were "waiting for HIM."
Dr Marguerite O’Riordan, an Academic Clinical Fellow and Public Health Registrar based in Southampton who also serves as the Southeast Resident Doctor Representative for the Medical Women’s Federation, revealed how early in her career, "I was told a lot of specialities were not realistic for me." She also believed that when it came to research, "the male patient is the default."
Mr Diwakar Sarma, President of the Surgery Section of the Royal Society of Medicine, delivered an excellent study of bowel endometriosis which will be detailed on Endometriosis Awareness North's site - https://endometriosisawarenessnorth.com/
Their founder and our Women's Healthcare Forum Chair Dr Anita Sharma, reiterated the message, "healthcare is currently delivered by men for men. As Michelle Obama said, "no country can ever truly flourish if it stifles the potential of its women and deprives itself of the contributions of half its citizens.”"
As our picture shows, Dr Sharma continued to campaign for better women's health by mentoring and encouraging resident doctors from Lancashire - at the evening gala dinner!
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.
Hope for our healthcare future
This year's BIDA national conference inspired confidence that our health service is in good hands = providing medics are able to look after their own wellbeing.
Attendees were an eclectic mix of old friends who have made such a contribution since our formation in 1975 - and young and would-be doctors determined to make a similar contribution.
And getting behind them could not be more vital at this time of a hastily changing landscape - AI received many a mention! - socially and politically. Of continued concern was women's health and the wellbeing of medics, with highly disturbing figures about how many were having dark thoughts.
But with presentations, camaraderie, exhibitions and a record number of abstracts, the mood remained distinctly upbeat.
We thank everyone who attended and contributed and particularly, those who spent long hours arranging the event.
There will be more stories and photographs coming soon!
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