Presidents Blog March 2025
Well that went quickly!
I was warned that it would.
Having initially been every reluctant to take up the offer of President of the Society, I accepted that it was a huge honour to have been asked and took up the challenge. It has been very enjoyable experience. It has improved by public speaking, my tech (a little!) and allowed me to network with old friends and most importantly bring a lecture series.
Reflecting on the lectures, I am most grateful to all my lecturers for their time and effort.
We started off with Prof Emily Jackson and her thoughts on assisted dying- and how she has given a platform to measure and think about what is coming out from parliament and in the news now. Wise words from her.
Then we had the charismatic Prof Steve Peters- explaining how our brains are wired up; and how to make friends with your Inner Chimp to ease your psychological anxieties !
The Open Meeting was delivered by Dave Bareford who regaled us with his ballooning adventures, and most memorably collected his wife and newborn child by balloon, landing in the hospital car park!
Cora Weaver – Our historian from Malvern gave us some wonderful insights into the Life and Times of Florence Nightingale.
The poster and presentations evening was very interesting. It was deferred for 1 week due to lack of applications; Dr Bleiker came to the rescue. I hope next year is better for applications. The evening is very close to the spirit of DMS , The founder Dr William Ogle started the meetings in this style- sharing cases and research.
My dear friend Ms Ifat Ataullah Consultant Obstetrician and gynaecologist, championed Justice4 Doctors and shared with us the horrors of multiple jeopardy – that is when a Dr is referred to the Employer, the police, social services and the GMC; none of whom work in tandem or offer any support. The GMC definitely has SOMETHING to answer for!
Our New Professor Nicola Cooper gave a great talk on ‘Teaching clinical reasoning’. Many students and trainers were very interested in what she had to say ,including her book and website.
More recently we had Prof Kamila Hawthorne – current chair of the RCGP to give he thoughts on how this government is going to support Primary Care in the next few years.
I hope you all enjoyed the last lecture – entitled Tales from the TT .Mr Dave Hedley from Nobles Hospital Trauma Unit described some cases form the TT races.
Please sign up for the Black Tie Dinner Saturday June 14th &pm at Morley Hayes Pavilion and order extra tickets for your friends. email me to get on the list – sally.archerfour@ntlworld.com
Council have allowed me to bring a new tradition. That is to present a pin badge to Past Presidents. Prof. Owen Judd will present mine to me when I hand over the medal to him in October.
I want to present past presidents with these badges at the Black Tie dinner and get them to give some sparkling speeches as a celebration of our society.
I will also recall that we had 2 society walks – I’m planning another on Saturday 17th May
Please whatapp me to let me know if you would like to come along. 07817259531
And 2 socials – the first was a visit to Rolls Royce Heritage Centre in November
And the second was to Claymills Victorian Pumping station in January.
I want to thank the council and Ola -our administrator, for all their support. With a new website to negotiate and the loss of some stalwarts on council -I’ve been very grateful to the current team for all their hard work.
Finally a big thank you to all the members who come along and make the Society a place of support, knowledge and camaraderie, which is what Dr Wiliam Ogle would have wanted!
Sally Archer
March 2025