Meet our EDI Forum Members!
Posted on: Tuesday 8 July 2025
Author: FPM
FPM’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Forum has recently gone through a period of change, and we are delighted to welcome our refreshed membership!
Chair – Dr Bu Siakpere
I’ve become increasingly involved in EDI over the years but have approached medicine with an EDI mindset from the very start of my career. Working in areas of medicine that serve under-represented patient groups and communities and as a STEM ambassador seeking to inspire the next generation from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in the life sciences, particularly in medicine has been very important to me. I believe equity, diversity, and inclusion are essential to nurturing a vibrant and relevant culture at FPM and are fundamental to our success as key contributors to the healthcare ecosystem
Dr Anas Alubaidi
I am a general practitioner licensed to practice medicine in Iraq and registered at the Iraqi medical association. I graduated with a MBChB from the University of Baghdad, obtained higher medical degrees from British universities, and am pain management board-certified by the American Academy of Procedural Medicine. I have varied medical experience and expansive medical knowledge, having worked in different medical fields including patient care settings, healthcare management and medical research. My interests lie in preventive healthcare, pharmaceutical medicine, public health medicine practice and occupational medicine.
Dr Ziyad Azam
Growing up in rural England often meant that peers didn’t understand important parts of my identity, and therefore myself too. I found that this changed at medical school and within the workplace, where there was a wealth of diversity amongst my classmates and in the NHS. However, following my recent pivot into pharmaceutical medicine, I feel more can be done. I joined the FPM’s EDI Forum to ensure that our diversity isn’t just about numbers or representation, but that is it about ensuring everyone gets the support and guidance that they might need to succeed in their achieving their goals.
Dr Rachael Harlow
I’m a Clinical Research Fellow in Pharma Early Research and Development at Roche Pharmaceuticals in Basel, Switzerland. My current work is in clinical science in the ophthalmology department, and I also work with the scientific communications team in medical affairs. My clinical background is in oral and maxillofacial surgery, and I have dedicated much of my time to initiatives aimed at the furthering the careers and wellbeing of doctors and dentists of Black descent.
Dr Chitra Kumaravel
Fairness is not just an ideal I believe in – it is a principle that guides my work and how I engage with those around me. I have been shaped by experiences across cultures, from India to the UK, and I have seen how diversity in background, thought, and perspective enriches our profession and our society. As a Clinical Research Physician and an active member of an ethics committee, I am committed to ensuring that equity, dignity, and inclusion are embedded in the decisions we make and the systems we shape. I hope to contribute to the EDI Forum by helping create a culture where people feel valued in their authentic selves, and where we use diversity as a strength to advance the goals of pharmaceutical medicine for the benefit of all.
Dr Ashish Shrestha
I’m a pharmaceutical physician and currently serve as the Global Lead for Clinical Trials at Bioluminux Clinical Research. Originally from Nepal, I’ve held diverse clinical, non-clinical, and research roles across Nepal, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and the UK. This global perspective shapes my commitment to inclusive, high-quality research delivery. I’m particularly passionate about site development, operational excellence, and improving the representation of underserved populations in clinical trials. I hold an MSc and an Advanced Postgraduate Diploma in Pharmaceutical Medicine, and I’m currently undertaking PMST to further strengthen my contribution to globally relevant, evidence-based research.
