05 June 2020
Dr Zoe Rutter-Locher is a rheumatology registrar in London, who has sat on two committees and set up a Special Interest Group. She says that BSR has been “extremely supportive” in her professional development.
“As a trainee, the BSR offers me so many opportunities. At the special discount rate given to trainees pre-ST3, I was able to gain access to the journal and discounts on attendance at meetings. However, it was only when I became a specialist registrar that I discovered all the other resources available and the huge role BSR has in our training.
“This led me to apply and be given the opportunity to represent South London trainees on the Trainees Committee and sit on the Education Committee. I also have an interest in rheumatology in low and middle-income countries, and with BSR, I set up a Specialist Interest Group in this area.
"Through sitting on the Trainees and Education Committees, I’ve learnt huge amounts about how the organisation is run and had the opportunity to meet and learn from trainees and consultants from all over the country. “If you’re thinking about getting more involved with BSR, just do it! Everyone at the society has been so supportive, positive and generous with their time.”
Dr Owen Cronin is a rheumatology and general medicine trainee based in Edinburgh, previously the Trainees Committee Representative for Scotland. Owen volunteered to be a key facilitator and speaker at BSR’s Rheumatology Taster Day in Dundee, delivering a presentation to medical students on his life as a rheumatology registrar.
"Being a BSR member keeps your finger on the pulse; you get to know people and listen and learn from each others’ ideas. Sitting on the Trainees Committee was a great experience. I got involved in projects I would not normally have had the opportunity to; nowadays, I get involved here and there with various other projects and enjoy the local activities here in Scotland. “If you're thinking about getting involved with BSR, as with most things, the more you put into something the more you'll get out of it. I guarantee you that you'll make new friends and create networks."
Dr Ai Lyn Tan runs the Early Arthritis service in Leeds and helps lead postgraduate research studies at the Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine. She is the new Editor-in-Chief of Rheumatology Advances in Practice.
“I chose to get more involved with BSR because over the years I’ve gained so much from various courses, fellowships and conferences. I felt I could contribute towards helping others experience the benefits I gained; I’ve organised courses and fellowships; I convened sessions at Annual Conference and helped tweet from BSR’s official account during the conference to disseminate the latest knowledge, and even volunteered to lead the 5k run.
“I’m grateful for these opportunities because I get to combine volunteering with my passions for rheumatology, education, social media and physical activity! My latest venture is an exciting role to support BSR’s official journal Rheumatology Advances in Practice as the Editor-in-Chief. “There are a variety of ways to be involved with BSR, all of which are very fulfilling. The bonus is meeting similarly-minded people and learning from each other, and of course, it looks great on your CV!”
Interested in finding out more about how to get more involved with our activities? Contact Erin Taylor, our Member Engagement Manager.