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title: BIMA Pulse October Edition
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| View in browser Subscribe to BIMA's monthly newsletter October 2026 Welcome to BIMA Pulse Assalamualaikum,   A warm welcome to the October edition of BIMA Pulse.    As we prepare to mark Islamophobia Awareness Month in November, we are reminded why a strong, united BIMA matters. In the current political climate, Muslim healthcare professionals continue to face real challenges, from workplace discrimination to restrictions on their voices. Meeting them requires an organisation with the capacity and credibility to advocate for you.   The Prophet ﷺ said: “The believers, in their mutual love, mercy and compassion, are like one body: when any part suffers, the whole body responds with sleeplessness and fever” (Bukhari and Muslim).   This month has been a strong one for advocacy. BIMA met the Prime Minister and his team, raising the concerns of Muslim healthcare professionals at the highest level of government, whilst our Support Clinic continues to assist healthcare professionals facing issues around censorship. Preparations are well underway for our Healthcare Awards, which will showcase the outstanding achievements and contributions of British Muslim health professionals. We are also developing BIMA’s new podcast, alongside marking the successful research publication on health inequity and dress codes, adding a vital evidence base for inclusive practice.   None of this is possible without you. Our strength lies in our membership, and paid membership directly sustains our advocacy, research and support services. This month, we ask you to encourage a colleague, friend or fellow student to join BIMA as a paying member. Together, may we continue to be enabled to deliver further good with ihsan (excellence).   Dr Nadia Khan BIMA Advocacy team & Council Upcoming Events Webinar: Wealth-Building for Muslim Health Professionals BIMA is partnering with Simply Ethical to deliver an exclusive online seminar exploring Sharia-compliant financial planning and investment for Muslim healthcare professionals.   Led by Simply Ethical's experienced advisers, the session will provide practical insights into managing and growing wealth in line with Islamic principles, including investment, pensions, ISAs and savings.   Tuesday 3 November 2026 \| 8pm to 9pm   Established in 2009, Simply Ethical specialises in Sharia-compliant financial planning and investment management and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).   Join us to learn more about making informed financial decisions that align with your faith and long-term goals. Register here British Muslim Health Awards 2026: Tickets Now Available Tickets are now available for the British Muslim Health Awards 2026, taking place on Saturday 12 December 2026 at the Royal Nawaab Pyramid in Stockport.   Join us for an evening celebrating the achievements and contributions of British Muslim healthcare professionals, bringing our community together for recognition, celebration and connection.   Discounts are available for BIMA members. Book tickets here BIMA's New Podcast: Beyond The Consultation BIMA is launching Beyond the Consultation, a new podcast exploring the issues and conversations that matter to Muslim healthcare professionals.   The first episode features Dr Shehla Imtiaz-Umer, Kashif Mahmood and Dr Moosa Qureshi, discussing regulatory discrimination, freedom of expression and the challenges healthcare professionals may face when speaking out and advocating for their communities.   Episode 1 launches on 5 November 2026.   Sponsored by Regulation Resolution. Watch the trailer Upcoming BIMA ACE Events BIMA Specialty Training Webinar   Sunday 8 November 2026 \| 10am to 1:30pm   Hear from doctors across GP, Psychiatry, IMT, CST, Anaesthetics, Clinical Radiology, Paediatrics and Obstetrics & Gynaecology. The webinar will cover specialty choices, training applications and alternative career opportunities, including FY3, working abroad and Clinical Teaching Fellow roles.   ACE BIMA Consultant Interview Preparation Workshop   Saturday 9 January 2027 \| 10am to 3pm   This interactive workshop will help doctors prepare for consultant interviews through practical advice, interview question practice, mock interviews and personalised feedback.   Places are limited, with a discount available for the first five applicants. Both events will take place online. We encourage members to take advantage of these opportunities to learn from colleagues and prepare for their next career steps.   Find out more and register Beyond Medicine: The Essentials BIMA has partnered with Medology Global to deliver Beyond Medicine: The Essentials, a free six-part webinar series for Muslim healthcare students, through the Global Healthcare Leadership Academy (GHLA).   Following the first session with BIMA Chair, Dr Qasim Javed, the series continues with five further webinars exploring faith, identity, purpose, leadership and making a positive impact beyond the medical curriculum.   Featuring experienced speakers and interactive discussions, the series aims to support students in their personal and professional development.   The remaining sessions will take place throughout Autumn/Winter 2026, with participation open to healthcare students across the UK and internationally.   Further details about upcoming sessions will be shared soon. Islamophobia Awareness Month This November, the British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) is proud to support Islamophobia Awareness Month (IAM), under this year’s theme: Don’t Let It Slide. Challenging Islamophobia means more than raising awareness. It means recognising prejudice, challenging discriminatory practices and refusing to let Islamophobia become normalised in our NHS and wider society.   Through our advocacy and support for Muslim healthcare professionals, BIMA is committed to amplifying Muslim voices, challenging racism and promoting workplaces where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.   We must recognise Islamophobia, speak up when it is safe to do so, support colleagues who experience discrimination, and encourage reporting through appropriate channels. No one should have to face prejudice alone.   This Islamophobia Awareness Month, let’s recognise it, challenge it and report it. Together, we can turn awareness into action and help build a fairer, safer and more inclusive NHS for all. October at a Glance BIMA Meets the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street On 27 October, BIMA joined Muslim community leaders at 10 Downing Street to meet the Prime Minister and senior government officials, raising concerns about Islamophobia affecting Muslim healthcare professionals and wider communities.   Discussions included commitments to appoint an adviser on anti-Muslim hostility, host Muslim Heritage Month at Downing Street in March 2027 and progress plans for a national memorial honouring Muslim soldiers.   BIMA welcomes this engagement and continues to call for meaningful action to tackle Islamophobia and discrimination, with Muslim healthcare professionals having a stronger voice in shaping policies that affect them. Read more New BIMA Research Highlights Inequalities in NHS Dress Code Policies New research by BIMA’s Women’s Team, published in the International Journal for Equity in Health, highlights inequalities in NHS uniform policies and their impact on Muslim female healthcare professionals.   The study reviewed policies from 200 NHS trusts and surveyed 430 Muslim female healthcare professionals and students.   Key findings revealed that 61% of trusts made no provision for religious head coverings in operating theatres, while 49% enforced blanket bare below the elbows policies without religious accommodation. Among respondents, 47% reported negative effects on their mental wellbeing, and 32% had considered leaving or had already left the NHS due to conflicts with religious practice.   The research calls for more consistent implementation of national guidance and greater accountability to ensure inclusive working environments. Read more Islamophobia Awareness Training  BIMA delivered Islamophobia awareness training to Diabetes UK in October and the Professional Standards Authority in September.   Both sessions explored the experiences of Muslim healthcare professionals, recognising Islamophobia and addressing discrimination in the workplace. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with significant improvements in participants’ confidence and understanding following the training. Flu Vaccination: Protecting Yourself and Your Community This Winter As flu season begins, BIMA is encouraging Muslim individuals and families to consider flu vaccination to help protect themselves and those around them.   Flu can cause serious illness, particularly among vulnerable groups. Vaccination helps reduce the risk of complications and pressure on NHS services.   BIMA’s Flu Vaccination Guidance provides information on the benefits of vaccination, injectable and nasal spray options, Islamic considerations and where to access vaccines.   Protecting health and caring for others are important principles within Islam. BIMA encourages families to make informed decisions and seek advice from healthcare professionals where needed. Read BIMA's flu vaccination guidance New Legal Support Partnerships for Members BIMA is pleased to announce two new partnerships with Imran Khan & Partners Solicitors and Regulation Resolution Solicitors, strengthening the legal support available to members.   Both firms offer specialist advice and representation in employment disputes, disciplinary proceedings, fitness to practise investigations and regulatory matters.   Through these partnerships, BIMA members can access free initial consultations, discounted legal services and experienced legal representation. Members will also benefit from educational sessions covering relevant legal and regulatory issues.   These partnerships reflect BIMA’s continued commitment to supporting Muslim healthcare professionals throughout their careers, particularly when facing professional challenges. Access the BIMA Support Clinic BIMA Launches Cancer Awareness Campaign in Birmingham BIMA Cancer launched its annual cancer awareness campaign at Eden Boys’ School in Birmingham, in collaboration with Star Academies and Aston Islamic Medical Society (AIMS).   The sessions engaged students across Years 8–11, highlighting the importance of cancer prevention, recognising early warning signs, and understanding screening and timely medical check-ups. By educating young people from an early age, BIMA aims to promote lifelong healthy habits and encourage open conversations about cancer within Muslim communities.   The enthusiastic participation and thoughtful questions from students demonstrated the value of early education and community collaboration in improving cancer awareness.   BIMA looks forward to building on this initiative and working with schools and community partners to promote cancer prevention and early detection, InshaAllah. Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Supporting Patients Through Better Care October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise awareness of symptoms, encourage early detection and address barriers to accessing care. Healthcare professionals play an important role in helping patients feel informed, supported and comfortable seeking advice.   This includes recognising breast changes beyond lumps, encouraging breast awareness alongside screening, and addressing barriers such as fear, language, privacy and modesty concerns.   Providing culturally sensitive care, respecting individual preferences and communicating without judgement can make a meaningful difference to patients' experiences.   BIMA encourages healthcare professionals to use this month to promote awareness, support informed decisions and ensure every patient feels heard and respected. See the full infographic BIMA Welcomes the Royal College of Nursing’s Decision Regarding Teva The British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) welcomes the Royal College of Nursing’s (RCN) decision to end its commercial relationship with Teva UK and withdraw the company’s sponsorship of an upcoming educational event.   BIMA believes that healthcare organisations have a responsibility to ensure their commercial partnerships reflect the ethical principles and professional values that underpin healthcare.   Commercial relationships within the healthcare sector should be subject to robust due diligence, transparency and careful consideration of human rights. These principles are essential to maintaining public confidence and ensuring that organisational decisions are consistent with the responsibilities of healthcare professionals. Read more Become a Paying Member Benefits for General Members We’re continuing to build practical, meaningful value for our members — supporting your career development, learning, and connection to community.   You can access a wide range of benefits including brand discounts (Learning Roots, Desi Doll, Qur’an Cube), financial guidance, and additional support continually being developed to serve you at every stage of your journey.   Not yet a member? Join a growing community of Muslim healthcare professionals working to support one another and serve with impact: https://britishima.org/join-bima Access your benefits via MyBIMA Join BIMA Whatsapp groups There are 40+ BIMA professional and regional WhatsApp groups that you can benefit from. These groups are a chance to network and discuss topical issues with colleagues in your professional area(s) and/or region. Email us to join BIMA Partnerships BIMA's work is made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsor and partners. If you're interested in partnering with BIMA, get in touch.  Partner with BIMA British Islamic Medical Association, International House, 101 King's Cross Road, London, London WC1X 9LP Unsubscribe Manage preferences |
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