The BCDD team had the privilege of attending an incredible Healthcare Summit held at the medical school in Birmingham. This dynamic event brought together students from a variety of healthcare disciplines, including Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Biomedical Science, and Allied Healthcare. The summit was thoughtfully arranged by Tia Da Silva-Hunt, ACMS President and BCDD member, and featured powerful talks from several of our own members.
Inspiring Talks from BCDD Members
The conference kicked off with an inspiring speech from Dr. Monique Wheatle, Co-Founder of ACMM and a valued BCDD member. Dr. Wheatle shared her personal journey into medicine and the driving force behind founding African Caribbean Medical Mentors (ACMM). Her story resonated with attendees, showcasing the power of mentorship and the importance of providing guidance to future generations of healthcare professionals.
Next, Dr. Marjani Orchery, a dual-accredited Doctor and Dentist as well as the founder of SMILEquity, delivered a captivating talk. SMILEquity is an organization dedicated to providing oral health education and bridging the gap between communities and accessible healthcare. Dr. Orchery took the audience through the A-E of medical and dental school:
- A – Advocacy/Attitude
- B – Building Relationships
- C – Communication with Clarity, Confidence, and Comportment
- D – Diversity of Skill and Discernment
- E – Empowerment
Her session was a comprehensive guide for students navigating their healthcare careers, emphasizing the importance of these core values.
Finally, Dr. Tesha-Dawn Brathwaite, a Paediatric Consultant and BCDD’s Joint Health Promotion Lead, shared her inspiring career journey. From completing a Master’s in Healthcare Management at Harvard School of Public Health to becoming a passionate advocate for her patients, Dr. Brathwaite’s talk was a perfect illustration of how dedication and community involvement can shape a rewarding career in healthcare.
Additional Sessions: Fostering Career Growth and Wellbeing
The summit also offered valuable sessions on academic writing skills, career progression in pharmacy, clinical entrepreneurship, and the importance of self-care. These talks provided a holistic view of what it takes to succeed in healthcare and highlighted the need for self-care to ensure long-term success and personal wellbeing.
Key Takeaways from the Summit
The key take-home messages from the event resonated deeply with the attendees and are crucial for any healthcare professional, whether a student or an experienced practitioner:
- Inclusivity matters – It’s not just a checkbox but a meaningful and representative part of healthcare.
- Lived experience counts – You don’t always need further qualifications to make a difference; your personal experience is valuable.
- Focus on your journey – Concentrate on your own path, growth, and development.
- Let medicine/dentistry be your anchor – Use your passion for these fields to guide and fuel your journey.
- Apply for that job! – Don’t hesitate, take that leap, and go for the opportunity you deserve.
A Big Congratulations to Tia Da Silva-Hunt
A huge congratulations to Tia Da Silva-Hunt for organizing such a fantastic and impactful event. The BCDD is excited to continue supporting this event in the future and looks forward to another great summit next year. It was an unforgettable experience that reinforced the importance of mentorship, diversity, and community within healthcare.
Together, we can empower the next generation of healthcare professionals!