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

I am a senior medical advisor in the pharmaceutical industry, with over five years of clinical experience as a doctor in the NHS. I joined the FPM’s EDI Forum to ensure that our diversity isn’t just about numbers or representation, but that is it about trying our absolute best that everyone gets the support and guidance that they might need to succeed in their achieving their goals.

Ziyad Azam

Dr Joubert Gama FFPM

I am an experienced International Pharmaceutical Physician with Global/International and National experience, starting in the UK Industry in 1997. I have developed and led multidisciplinary Medical Affairs teams in small-large ethical pharmaceutical/ device companies, hierarchical and matrix organisations. I have strong cross cultural awareness and am people and task orientated with excellent compliance, presentation, planning, negotiating and influencing skills, especially international key opinion relations. With a medical background of General Surgery/Trauma/General Practice and Drug Dependency, I have previously had a similar EDI role with the Pharmaceutical Medicine Society, on the advisory board of Egality and as a Trustee of Hope in Action, Reading. I am of Goan (Indian) origin, born in Kenya and lived most of my life in the UK. I have always been interested in righting injustice and working towards equality of opportunity and care.

Joubert Gama FFPM

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.

Rachael Harlow

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.

Chitra Kumaravel

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.