Commons date for Dr Sharma
Our Women's Healthcare Forum Chair attended a Parliamentary enquiry recently - on endometriosis in the workplace.
Accompanied by her fine ambassadors, her charity Endometriosis Awareness North illustrated how the condition could result in unpaid days off work, career stagnation and severe financial problems.
Their views were backed up by new research showing that 36% of women with endometrial pain still turned up for work every day!
Dr Sharma has presided over a meteoric rise for the charity plus a large increase in endometriosis awareness.
But there is some way to go - as she explained to guests at our recent BIDA conference.
There will be more on that, shortly.
Meanwhile donate to Dr Sharma's charity by visiting https://endometriosisawarenessnorth.com/
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.
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