Diversity in Respiratory Medicine

Diversity in respiratory medicine, a perspective from Dr Sheila Ramjug

"When I first entered medical school in I was struck by the wide diversity of our year group. I can honestly say when entering the field of respiratory medicine I was so inspired to see that array of people again. Respiratory medicine attracts driven people no matter their gender, race or sexual orientation.

"Admittedly this may not always have been represented when attending congresses or conferences but there has been a huge shift towards ensuring a more diverse group of chairs and speakers over the last few years both nationally by the BTS and internationally by the ERS.

"I honestly believe a diverse workforce is of vital importance when caring for patients. Our patients generally are from a varied background and by having diversity in our workforce this helps us to understand our patients in their times of need.

"In order to provide a personalised care plan we often need to go beyond simple language and examine someone’s culture, belief systems, gender, and socioeconomic actualities to provide truly holistic care."

Please watch our videos on choosing a sub-speciality to see a true representation of present respiratory consultants and trainees, as well as our video on diversity in respiratory medicine explaining how times have changed.

Author: Dr Sheila Ramjug