I started to get more involved with FPM when COVID-19 hit and I was on maternity leave. I noticed pregnant women and ethnic minorities were being left behind in terms of public health strategy. FPM allowed me to work closely with experts, not only experienced pharmaceutical physicians but those leading allied medical colleges and health departments (for me specifically: RCOG, Faculty of Public Health, DHSC, ONS). Via FPM and my academic role, I am actively involved in shaping and driving policy changes that have an impact on the public. Importantly, this includes patient groups often overlooked; like pregnant women and ethnic minorities.

Participating in the journal club was superb, the sharing of ideas, coupled with debate, is something I thoroughly enjoy. Particularly with physician colleagues from wide-ranging backgrounds within the pharmaceutical industry. The journal club is undoubtedly the perfect platform for this and I would emphatically encourage all members to participate.

As an independent consultant I have found getting more involved with FPM extremely rewarding. As a member of both the Paediatric and Woman’s Health expert group and the Education and Standards Committee it’s great to contribute and feel part of the FPM team promoting our exciting and interesting specialty both within industry but also to other medical colleges. I particularly lecturing on pharmaceutical medicine to undergraduates through our work with the Brighton and Sussex medical school and advising trainees on their careers, including those from other specialities who are looking to get experience in pharmaceutical medicine.