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
A lesson in excellence for us all
.Belated but still heartfelt congratulations to the first woman from Indian descent to become President of the Royal College of Physicians.
Professor Mumtaz Patel is a particular inspiration in the field of equality in education and spoke at our 2025 national conference on that subject.
And it was at that very event that we honoured her with a BIDA Special Award.
Prof Patel’s other interests include research into doctors in distress and differentials in attainment and her work has achieved international recognition.
BIDA is keen to honour the trailblazers and indeed any medic from overseas that has made a difference to healthcare here in the UK.
Learn more about us at www.bida-online.com
COVID Report: we fell short on caring for BAME employees
The findings of Baroness Heather Hallett enquiry into Britain’s response to the COVID enquiry highlighted what voices on the ground were telling us.
Individual medics performed heroically during the pandemic, but lives were lost sometimes needlessly – and not just those of clinicians, either.
Working within healthcare settings is still seen as worthy within many diverse communities in the UK. That also includes those who care for patients at their bedside and clean wards and theatres so that we might be able to perform surgeries and procedures.
The enquiry is a four-year report so we will be studying it thoroughly over the coming time.
But we will do so in memory of all the patients and colleagues who were lost – including those whose vital non-clinical work makes healthcare possible.
Read more about the enquiry, at https://news.sky.com/story/covid-inquiry-latest-report-to-set-out-impact-pandemic-had-on-nhs-and-patients-13521346
Pyramid visit pinnacle of science conference
The full brochure for BIDA’s 17th International Conference has just been published.
And it promises to be a wonderfully colourful mix of serious debate and historical site seeing.
Amongst the activities planned is a visit to The Valley of the Kings and some time at the Giza Pyramids – built for the Pharoh Khufu, and dating back to 2600 B.C!
The science part of the programme will look at good practice from a myriad of countries, so that we can make good health a universal notion.
The pyramid shape has been used to illustrate good nutrition and light pyramids – or prisms – are also used in meditation and yoga.
For a full brochure, visit FORTHCOMINGEVENTS
Just landed - international conference details
Egypt will be the host country for our December global discussion on health.
But it won’t be just a talking shop on science – as the trip includes a raft of activities, including a Nile cruise, to learn all about the Land of the Pharaohs!
In the more recent past, The International Conference has proved a platform for experts to share insight and good practice on issues that cut across borders.
More details coming soon!
Pumping out the heart research
A new systematic review of arrythmia in older people, is just one of the must-reads for medics in our latest BIDA Journal.
The study carried out with patients aged 65 plus looked at the risk of stroke, major bleeding and even consequences for cognitive response in those with an irregular heartbeat.
Published quarterly, the Journal is a lively mix of research, news and features.
And even though our membership is made up of #dentists and other medics, we would always welcome articles from the worlds of academia and #pharmacology.
Go to the link above and download a copy.
Help promote self-harm understanding
Our Women’s Healthcare Forum Chair is leading a charge to better comprehend self-injury, particularly in those with “ignored” physical health problems.
Dr Anita Sharma, who created the Endometriosis Awareness North charity, pointed to figures showing that young women are twice as likely as men to self-harm.
The problem is a manifestation of feelings of low mood and a lack of voice, which is certainly the case for many endo sufferers who believe their cries of pain are simply not listened to.
Dr Sharma wants to promote awareness and understanding and believes that real-life case studies can boost that cause ahead of World Self-Harm Day on March 1st.
This can be done anonymously.
Please message endometriosisawarenessnorth@gmail.com
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