QMUL

BATLAA e-Newsletter: July 2015

Your Alumni Ref. No:

I hope you will by now have received your copy of Barts and The London Chronicle (BLC) magazine, which was sent out recently, and that you have enjoyed reading it. You should also have recently received an invitation to participate in an alumni survey, which I hope you will take 10 minutes to complete. If you haven’t received the link, please click here to access the survey. By sharing your views, you will help us to shape your Association and what we offer to better suit your needs.

I would also like to remind you that the BATLAA AGM will be held on 20 October 2015 during William Harvey Day. The full programme will be available in due course but you can register your interest in attending both the AGM and William Harvey Day at batlaa@qmul.ac.uk.

Dental alumni may also be interested to note the date of the 2016 Annual Clinical Meeting in their diaries. The event, which will be held on 26-27 February, promises to be an engaging occasion, with a number of expert speakers in the dentistry field already lined up. It is also a good occasion to meet up with your contemporaries and see the School of Dentistry’s state-of-the-art premises.

With all best wishes for an enjoyable summer.

Professor Paul Wright (q BDS, The London, 1969)
President of BATLAA

School news

Barts Cancer Institute marks 10 years of pioneering work
Barts Cancer Institute (BCI) celebrated its 10 year anniversary with a two-day showcase of its research past and present. The event included the launch of a commemorative book, Every Rational Attempt: The Stories Behind Barts’ Contribution to the Fight Against Cancer, which charts the pioneering history of cancer research within BCI and St Bartholomew’s Hospital through anecdotes, personal recollections and major accomplishments. Since its establishment, BCI has achieved a number of milestones in the fight against cancer, such as pioneering the first major development in the treatment of bladder cancer in the past 30 years. Contact the BCI to purchase the book or to support our important work.

School of Dentistry awarded £500k to develop novel dental implant material
Researchers from the School of Dentistry have received nearly £500k in Medical Research Council funding to assess the effectiveness of a novel injectable bone graft material. The novel bone graft, which was previously developed by a team of experts within the School, has shown strong potential in preliminary studies.

QMUL’s Life Sciences Initiative to play important role in Whitechapel rejuvenation
The changing face of Whitechapel over the coming years was the focus of a Future of London event held at the Blizard Institute in May. The event, which focused on how the life sciences and healthcare sector is an important part of the development of the area, involved representatives from Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), Tower Hamlets Council, the Greater London Authority, as well as developers and planners. QMUL’s Life Sciences Initiative (LSI) is a multidisciplinary endeavour that encompasses our three Faculties: Medicine and DentistryScience and Engineering and Humanities and Social Sciences. Read more about LSI.

Major new appointment for School of Dentistry
Professor Nikolaos Donos, an internationally renowned clinical academic consultant, has been appointed Head of Clinical Research and Professor of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry at the School of Dentistry. In his new role, Professor Donos will help establish and lead a new Clinical Research Centre.

Farewell to Professor Richard Trembath
After 4 years as Vice-Principal (Health) of Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Professor Richard Trembath is leaving to take up the post of Executive Dean for the Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine at King’s College London on 1 September 2015. Professor Mike Curtis, Dean of the School of Dentistry, is interim Vice-Principal (Health).

Supporting our work

Look what you've done
Thank you for all your generous gifts this year. You’ve achieved some amazing things…

Because of you, 20 medical and dental students have received hardship bursaries. You’ve helped people like Mandi who says, "I have struggled through the year and waited until the last point to seek help and I can’t explain the weight that has been lifted off my shoulders with your gift."

Because of you, 8 student volunteers will be bringing medical, dental and public health support to struggling rural communities later this summer. Their work will give local people the chance to stand on their own feet and live with dignity.

And because of you, 50 student volunteers will provide specialist play services on the paediatrics ward at the Royal London Hospital throughout the year, bringing fun and relief to patients and their families.

We can’t thank you enough for what you’ve done this year. If you want to help even more, please make or increase your gift or forward this email to a friend and ask them to join you in supporting us. Thank you for all your kind help this year, and have a lovely summer.

A Sports and Exercise Medicine elective
Hatim Abdulhussein (q Barts and The London, 2015) spent his elective at the FIFA Centre of Excellence and the Aspetar Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Hospital in Qatar and the Alphington Sports Medicine Clinic in Melbourne, Australia.

He reports: 'In Qatar, I had the opportunity to see athlete screening and exercise medicine interventions. Aspetar also held weekly journal club, lectures and teaching sessions for juniors which allowed educational development during the placement. In Melbourne, I viewed general consultations and had the opportunity to visit the AFL State Academy training sessions on a weekly basis, caring for the up and coming athletes and also helping to conduct their yearly athlete screening. I was also pitch-side at AFL State games for the team Calder Cannons, and the AFL State Academy under-16s. This was an excellent opportunity to learn the fundamentals of pitch-side and team practice in sports medicine.

Once again I would like to thank BATLAA for my award, which was immensely helpful in making this elective financially viable, putting me on course for a potential career in Sports and Exercise Medicine.'

Alastair McDonald Memorial Fund Prize 2015
Dave Vedage (q Barts and The London, 2015) was awarded this year’s Alastair McDonald Memorial Fund prize. Dave gave a presentation about his recent elective experience at Juntendo University Hospital in Tokyo, Japan and highlighted the differences in the healthcare system and patient autonomy with those of the UK. In attendance were School staff, alumni and former colleagues of the late Alastair McDonald, as well as members of the McDonald family. The prize, which is in its second year, was established in memory of the cardiologist and teacher, Dr Alastair McDonald, who passed away in July 2012.

Alumni news

Medical student’s courageous efforts save stranger on the street
The quick-thinking actions of one of our medical students was reported in the press last month, as well as the BBC2 documentary, An Hour to Save Your Life. John Reidy, who is in his third year, was on his way a lecture when he helped save a young mother who had collapsed in the street following a cardiac arrest last November. Did you put your medical or dental training to use while a student? Share your story.

Queen’s Birthday Honours 2015
Congratulations to alumni and staff who were recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Dr Chaand Nagpaul CBE (q Barts, 1985), Chair of the British Medical Association’s General Practitioners Committee, received a CBE for services to primary care. Professor Jane Anderson CBE, Honorary Professor in the Blizard Institute and Visiting Fellow in the Centre for the Study of Migration in the School of Geography, received a CBE for her services to HIV medicine and sexual health research.

If you also received an honour, please let us know so that we can share your good news.

Professor Amrita Ahluwalia to become British Journal of Pharmacology’s next Editor-in-Chief
Professor Amrita Ahluwalia (q Barts, PhD Pharmacology, 1993), Deputy Director of the William Harvey Research Institute has been announced as the next Editor-in-Chief of the British Journal of Pharmacology. Amrita will be appointed by the British Pharmacological Society, owners of the Journal, for an initial five year term from 1 January 2016.

New Dean for Research for Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry
Professor Mauro Perretti (q Barts, PhD Biochemical Pharmacology, 1996), Co-Director of the William Harvey Research Institute, has been appointed as the new Dean for Research and Research Impact at Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry as of 1 August 2015.

Visit from an Old Londoner
Dr Joseph Patchick (q BDS, The London, 1957) visited the new Dental School yesterday afternoon. He was shown around by Ankur Patel, President of the Barts and The London Dental Society. If you would like to arrange a visit or a tour of the new Dental School, please let us know.

Have you received BLC?
This year’s issue of BLC has been sent out and should have reached you by now. If you have any feedback or if you haven’t received your copy, please let us know.

Have your say! BATLAA Alumni Survey
We recently sent you an invitation to participate in our BATLAA Alumni Survey. Please spare 10 minutes to share your thoughts as your feedback will help us to improve our interactions with you. All surveys which are completed by Friday 7 August will be entered into a draw to win an iPad Mini. Complete the BATLAA Alumni Survey.

Forthcoming events

2 September 2015, 3pm
Queen Mary Admissions Event for Masters' Applicants

Come along to our event and find out more about our Masters courses. This event offers an ideal opportunity to find out about our wide range of Masters, postgraduate certificates and diplomas in subjects across Medicine and Dentistry, as well as Humanities and Social Sciences and Science and Engineering. Admissions staff will be on hand to answer any questions. Register here.

10 September 2015, 5.30pm
School of Medicine and Dentistry Inaugural Lecture

With David Wald, Professor of Cardiology and Consultant Cardiologist
Venue: Willoughby Lecture Theatre, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square campus. More information.

25 September – 2 October 2015
Alumni receptions in Sydney and Melbourne

Medical and dental alumni are invited to join the President and Principal of QMUL, Professor Simon Gaskell, and senior colleagues for alumni receptions in Sydney and Melbourne. Full details will be made available in due course. Register interest.

20 October 2015, All day
25th William Harvey Day

Alumni are invited to attend this annual showcase of research taking place at Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry and our partner NHS Trusts. This year’s speakers include Tilli Tansey OBE, Professor of the History of Modern Medical Science in the School of History at QMUL; Patrick Chinnery, Professor of Neurogenetics at Newcastle University; and Professor Dame Frances Ashcroft from the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics at the University of Oxford. The day will culminate in the traditional St Luke’s Tide Service at St Bartholomew the Great and a dinner. Register interest.

20 October 2015
BATLAA Annual General Meeting

This year’s BATLAA AGM will be held at 4.45pm in the Peggy Turner Room in the North Wing at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, West Smithfield during William Harvey Day. Register interest.

22 October 2015, 5.30pm
School of Medicine and Dentistry Inaugural Lecture

With Rupert Pearse, NIHR Research Professor and Consultant in Intensive Care Medicine
Venue: Milton Lecture Theatre, Garrod Building, Whitechapel campus. More information.

26-27 February 2016
London Hospital Dental Club Annual Clinical Meeting

Dr Philip Taylor, Clinical Director for Dentistry in the School of Dentistry, invites you to join him for this two-day programme of CPD-accredited lectures.

Bespoke Reunions
For a list of upcoming bespoke reunions please check our website.

Noticeboard

BATLAA BLSA Clubs and Societies Dinner 2015
Work is still underway to identify former captains and presidents of Barts and The London Students’ Association (BLSA) Clubs and Societies. The BLSA, in conjunction with BATLAA, are hoping to organise a dinner to bring together current and former members of Clubs and Societies, as well as any other interested alumni. If you were involved with a Club or Society while a student or to register your interest, please get in touch.

Get involved with the Barts and The London Boat Club
This year has seen the Barts and The London Boat Club grow in strength with our numbers surging. New members have completed their RYA qualifications at Docklands and have taken part in fleet racing. We introduced our newest recruits to the joys of Burnham-on-Crouch, and the Solent on the Polly Agatha. Due to much hard work we were named the BLSA’s ‘Most Improved Club’. In the next year we aim to compete in team racing and hope to increase participation in competitive sailing. We would like to reach out to alumni and any past members who are interested in attending social events and yacht trips or getting involved. Please get in touch and follow us on Twitter.

Calling all recent medical and dental graduates in Singapore
Would you be willing to share your experience of Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry with prospective students? If you qualified in Medicine or Dentistry within the last 5 years and reside in Singapore, we would like to hear from you. Contact us. Read more about alumni volunteering.

Barts Cancer Institute Alumni profiles
If you completed your postgraduate studies with the Barts Cancer Institute, we would like to hear from you. We are looking for alumni who completed their MSc and PhD in cancer therapeutics or a related field to complete an Alumni Profile. Contact us.

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Social media

Graduation 2015
At the summer graduation ceremonies last week, 332 medical and dental graduates walked across the stage in the Great Hall on our Mile End campus. The proceedings continued with the traditional Rites of Passage ceremony, held in the splendid setting of St Paul’s Cathedral. We wish all our new graduates the best of luck with their future careers. You can view some photos from graduation week on Facebook and Instagram.

Like BATLAA on Facebook
Like our Barts and The London Alumni page on Facebook and share our page amongst your friends.

Follow BATLAA on Twitter
Follow @BartsTheLonAlum on Twitter. Tweet your musings about your time at the School of Medicine and Dentistry. #BATLAA

Join BATLAA on LinkedIn
Part of the wider Queen Mary Alumni Network group, our BATLAA sub-group is a platform for you to network professionally with fellow graduates from Barts and The London, read about the latest news at the School of Medicine and Dentistry and wider university, and the achievements of your fellow alumni.

Update your details: Register with the Alumni Portal
A quick and easy way to update your details is by registering with the Alumni Portal. Over 1,000 of you have already signed up to this online area where you can update your details, manage your communication preferences, book on to events and make a gift.

Help us to spread the word about BATLAA and increase our membership by encouraging your friends to like, follow and join us on social media and to register with the Alumni Portal. You can also share the BATLAA e-Newsletter with your friends by clicking here.

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