Dear Member
Our time together…
The weather these past few days has been glorious, hasn’t it? A bit nippy in the morning but then, the sky brightens up and the sun smiles down on us. Though, I’m not looking forward to the cold snap coming our way in the next few days.
As the warm spring season saunters in, we emerge from our winter hibernation into a blizzard of activities. The one key event we all are looking forward to, is the 2025 MANSAG Education Symposium and Annual Charity Ball in Leeds on 3rd May. More of that later.
I am delighted that the successful joint MANSAG/NDUK webinar ably hosted by Dr Ugochi Nnaji our Publicity Secretary led to the inauguration of a small committee of passionate members. This group has been working very hard to construct a motion for debate at the 2025 BMA Annual Representative Meeting that will support the specialty training aspirations of International Medical Graduates and expand the number of training posts for all doctors. I thank them sincerely for their efforts and look forward to the adoption of their motions at conference. Our collaboration with NDUK on this important BMA Resident Doctor Committee motion was appreciated by many members.
MANSAG has also engaged with the General Medical Council Equality and Diversity forum as we continue to explore ways to reduce the excessive numbers of doctors from minority ethnic groups that are referred to or sanctioned by GMC. We advocated for greater transparency in the referral and management process so that doctors are not barred from practicing for an indefinite length of time.
On 18 – 19 March, we will be participating at the Global Health Partnerships UK – Africa Health Summit 2025. We will be discussing our initiative – Strengthening Collaboration & Advancing cLinical Excellence (SCALE) to a global audience. There is significant interest from global agencies like WHO, World Bank, GHP, and the UK Medical Royal Colleges. It is an opportunity for MANSAG to share what we do best – Improving the health care system in Nigeria. You can get discounted tickets at: www.globalhealthpartnerships.org.
Discount code Health.
A short video highlighting SCALE may be viewed here; https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7306321742002573313
Please join us at the Royal College of Physicians Regents Park if you can.
Over the past six months, the MANSAG Council led by Dr. Oge Ilozue our Welfare Secretary has been reflecting on a holistic welfare strategy for our members. I am deeply grateful to her and Dr Chris Agbo the immediate past president for the huge personal efforts they have put into supporting members in professional or personal distress. However, we need to embed a sustainable welfare process that enriches the aspirations of our members. To do so, MANSAG needs a bigger pool of passionate members to support the national Welfare and Professional Advisory Committee as well as an active Chapter Welfare committee. If you are moved to do this vital role at national or chapter level, please contact Dr. Ilozue at welfare@mansag.org or the executive team at info@mansag.org.
Professor Okike and his team at the Research and Academy Committee have several activities lined up in the coming weeks to energise our research offering to our members. A webinar in partnership with the Oxford University Centre for Research Equity is planned in April and a workshop is scheduled for delegates at the Education Symposium in Leeds especially for the six candidates shortlisted for the MANSAG Annual Travel Grant Awards. Please watch out for these.
As promised, I want to share some details about the upcoming Education Symposium and Charity Ball at Village Hotel Leeds South LS27 0TS on Saturday 3 May 2025. Dr Olayinka Kowobari the Education Committee Chair has put together a rich and varied programme of learning. We have a many distinguished national and international speakers and several breakout workshops on different aspects of our professional and personal life to participate in at the symposium. The Mayor of Leeds Cllr Abigail Marshall Katung will be there as will the Vice Chancellor Leeds Trinity University, Professor Charles Egbu. He will give a Masterclass on Educational Leadership from his expertise as a serving Vice Chancellor. There will be opportunities for abstract presentations, and we will announce the two winners of the Annual Travel Grants from our six finalists. The Charity Ball will raise money for several worthy charitable causes.
The Local organising committee have been creative in the ticketing costs so that group bookings get a big discount on price. I will encourage each of the 10 chapters and the 6 committees to each buy a dinner table for 10. This will be much cheaper for each member than buying single tickets. As a group you could travel together, share costs for the room bookings and have more fun! That’s great for your carbon footprint!! Please buy your tickets at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/2025-mansag-spring-education-symposium-and-charity-ball-at-leeds-tickets-1265369868339?aff=oddtdtcreator&msockid=296305bdbb3c6e282a9b10ccba876f31
On behalf of the entire membership of MANSAG, I thank Dr Kowobari and Dr Molokwu for their passion and energy as they pull out all stops to ensure a successful conference for all of us.
*Please be aware that the hotel discount rate will end on 22 March 2025 and the early bird rate for tickets ends on 31 March 2025*.
Dates for your diary:
- Saturday 22 March 2025: 1630-1830 Transforming Healthcare in Nigeria: A Webinar for Diaspora Clinicians – Dr Alexander Oboh MANSAG Diaspora Engagement Committee Chair
- Saturday 29 March 2025: 1000-1200 Leadership Webinar: Skills for Effective & Inclusive Leadership – Professor Rotimi Jaiyesimi MANSAG Leadership Academy Chair
- Saturday 29 March 2025: 1800-2200 Networking Event AFRO! Restaurant and Lounge Birmingham B19 3HE. Dr. Fanny Iklaki, MANSAG West Midlands Chair
- Friday 4 April 2025: 1200-1300 Research Committee Bite Sized Session – Professor Ifeanyichukwu Okike MANSAG Research & Academy Committee Chair
- Friday 25 April 2025: 1930-2200 Life Insurance and Financial Pitfalls Webinar. Dr Mayowa Omoniyi MANSAG East of England Chair
- Saturday 3 May 2025: 0800-0000 2025 MANSAG Education Symposium & Charity Ball. Mr Chidi Molokwu Chair Local Organising Committee. Dr. Olayinka Kowobari Chair Education Committee
And finally,
The coming weeks will get warmer for everyone as the UK society springs to life. MANSAG will certainly have a spring in its step as we go about engaging our members in all our upcoming various activities at national and local levels, online, or in person. It promises to be an exciting time for all. Do try to join in one or more of these activities. Let’s get to know you and you get to know us.
Until next time, remain blessed.
Jide,
Dr. Jide Menakaya
President MANSAG
