The British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) is an umbrella body aiming to unite Muslim healthcare professionals. Our role as BIMA is to ensure differences of opinions from jurists are respected; to inform scholars & the Muslim community on the importance of herd immunity, and vaccine efficacy, as well as the risks of illnesses like influenza and benefits of vaccination. Influenza …
Job interview success – be yourself
By Dr Emma Wiley, microbiology registrar Interviews can often be daunting as you prepare to present the best version of yourself in both a professional and personal capacity. The more you want the vacancy, the more stressful things can become. It’s always important to take a step back, breathe and remember to just be yourself. First impressions I still remember …
Medicines, Healthcare and the Holy Month of Ramadan
By Amira Shaikh, Deputy Senior Clinical Pharmacist; NHS 111 pharmacist advisor; Royal Pharmaceutical Society Ambassador Providing tools and resources related to understanding different cultures is essential for pharmacists’ competency to provide optimal care. While serving Muslim patients who observe fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, patient autonomy should be taken into account. Where the patient chooses to continue to …
Cancer screening awareness – importance and impact
By Dr Lubna Salim, GP وَأَنْ لَيْسَ لِلْإِنْسَانِ إِلَّا مَا سَعَىٰ And that man shall have nothing but what he strives for (Surah An-Najm 53:39). It is interesting to note that Allah says that man shall have in accordance to his efforts rather than just his actions. Striving is what is essential. All thanks to the Almighty and kudos to …
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Hijab and Bare Below the Elbows – a reflection…
Every healthcare student and professional starts their journey starry-eyed and keen to make a good impression on colleagues. Potential conflict with supervisors or disciplinary procedures would definitely be on the list of things to dread! So what do we do when a hospital policy is at odds with our religious identity and faith that we hold so dear? This is …
BIMA statement regarding the erasure of Dr Bawa-Garba from the Medical Register
The British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) is compelled to add its voice to the growing body of concern regarding the prosecution and erasure of Dr Hadiza Bawa-Garba, following the tragic death of Jack Adcock in 2011. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to Jack’s parents who have suffered an unimaginable loss and we respect the legal process and the General …
August News & Views
An article this month in the journal Developing World Bioethics argues against the prohibition of surrogacy by many Islamic scholars, challenging the arguments against surrogacy which include concerns over gene mixing and the involvement of a third party. Read “Reexamining the Prohibition of Gestational Surrogacy in Sunni Islam” here _______________ A study in the journal Religions exploring the problem of OCD washing subtype (repeating Wudu …
August Events Roundup
1. In preparation for Lifesavers 2017, regional training days were held in 8 locations around the country, with an attendance of over 120 mosque leads & volunteers. More on the list of 60+ mosques involved in delivering Lifesavers involved here. 2. BIMA East Midlands held a well-received social in Leicester, giving local Muslim healthcare professionals a chance to network and enjoy …
July News & Views
Firstly this month, a study in the Journal of Religion and Health identifies the different trust issues among American Muslims regarding their attitudes and behaviours towards healthcare, which could help healthcare professionals (and others involved in designing health intervention programs) gain the trust of the Muslim patient population. Read “The Types of Trust Involved in American Muslim Healthcare Decisions” here _______________ A review …
July Events Roundup
1. BIMA Trainees organised the the national FY1 Induction event took place on Saturday 22nd July nationwide in 4 locations- London, Birmingham, Leicester and for the first time in Leeds, Yorkshire. The event was a huge success with over 150 signups nationwide. 2. BIMA sent 12 delegates from all over the UK to attend the Federation of Islamic Medical Association’s …
June Events Roundup
1. Shaykh Dr. Rafaqat Rashid hosted a Ramadan webinar discussing the medical and spiritual benefits of Ramadan, while Mufti Abdur-Rahman Mangera hosted another webinar later in Ramadan on maximising one’s time in Ramadan. 2. Our team in the North East hosted an iftaar in Newcastle. Attendees had the opportunity to network with fellow Muslim healthcare professionals and students, and we …
F1 Induction Event 2017
The highly successful ‘BIMA F1 induction’ event is back! This year, our events will take place on Saturday 22 July from 11am – 3.30pm in the Midlands, London, North West and South West! Delivered by current foundation doctors who have excelled through training, this is a must for all newly-qualified doctors about to start work this August. The event …
May News & Views
Firstly this month, a study published in the BMJ Open Diabetes explored the behaviour of patients with type 2 diabetes that chose to fast during Ramadan. Through a series of interviews, the research team in Malaysia found that, among the sample of 53 patients studied, only one patient consulted a doctor before implementing a drug regimen change, which the authors state …
May Events Roundup
In preparation for Ramadan, our teams across the UK held Safer Ramadan sessions to improve the general public’s understanding on fasting in Ramadan with diabetes. This was an opportunity for attendees to take part in an interactive discussions on this important condition just before Ramadan. 14 sessions were held in the North West, 4 sessions in the East Midlands, and …
Ramadan Initiative 2017
In collaboration with The Ramadan Initiative is one of BIMA’s many successful community projects. The project’s aim is to increase awareness amongst healthcare professionals on safe and effective prescribing for Muslim patients who fast during Ramadan. Our team of consultants, GPs and pharmacists have developed Powerpoint presentations (for hospital or GP settings) for teachers to deliver across the whole country …
April Events Roundup
1. The North West region hosted a health fair at the UKIM Khizra Masjid. Over 500 people attended to check out 25 stalls including: free health checks, information from local CCGs, stalls from Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, and the local hospital palliative team, the “Eye Pod” from RNIB, and various health care professionals who volunteered their time to help …
