There was a time when I used to look at the Royal college of Physicians with a massive amount of deference and marvel at their 'royalty'- it felt like this organisation which was just..amazing...somewhat ethereal- and for many of us growing up in India? The MRCP meant a heck of a lot- to be honest? It still does to a lot of people. It sort of gives authenticity to anything you want to do as a 'Physician'. There was an elite arrogance around the organisation- the feeling of stepping into something in time -whenever one used to enter the Royal College itself for any educational event. Again ..read more

Reflection is always an interesting thing to do- I suppose the challenge is to find time to do that in a life with multiple responsibilities and jobs- yet sipping on a Coke Zero in idyllic surroundings -in gorgeous sunshine- a few days away from the madness seemed to provide the perfect impetus. To look back at the year so far… I think it’s impossible to understand the year without rolling back to  2 weeks before the end of last year. A bigger emotional roller-coaster I have yet to be on in my life so far. 18th December was the day my Ma passed away; 19th was  the day NICE announced ..read more

It's difficult to describe such days to be honest. Something that started as an idea in 2016 between 3 like minded folks (Catherine Peters, Petr Hindmarsh and I)- has grown to such a wonderful event- just one that makes your heart full.  "Talking About Diabetes" aka TAD was always simply an idea to bring the community of Type 1 Diabetes together- a chance for people to mingle, talk to each other- built on my own one simple philosophy- you cannot change the paradigm of care without the power of the community 8 years later- it feels like it's there- the smiles, the laughs, the tears, the hu ..read more

What an absolute unqualified mess we find ourselves in the NHS- don't we? Let's take a step back and have a look at some factual statements for one moment- as things stand in the NHS The public can't see General Practitioners due to 'lack of them being available' There are simultaneously-GP colleagues who can't find jobs There are trainees applying to be GPs who can't become GPs  We have a group of professionals who work to no scope or local scope definition, regulated by a voluntary register with no clear idea of supervisory requirements- in 2024 Local Trusts do whatever they want as ..read more

April 2016...and finally? Time to end the role in shaping of policy in Diabetes care of the NHS - 8 years later. The mission given at that time by Stevens & Keogh was very simple: 'Improve Type 1 Diabetes care'. 8 years later? I think we have done ok. Beyond all the outcomes and the success in technology access- one big thing for me was being able to give those living with T1D a voice- and hopefully we have made some progress on that front. Success or legacy- is decided by those who we serve- and history- yet? I feel I have given it all- and happy with where I have drawn a line.  Howe ..read more

  You know what- its not an over exaggeration to say that I have had a fascinating career – mostly due to the areas which I have covered or the roles I have done. Organisational politics and being part of it or negotiating that has been a part which I admittedly have enjoyed- partly from the experience of being an observer and partly due to the active roles I engage in too. Party to many an event which is probably a fair times over the career of many an NHS senior- and certainly one littered with incidents to regale a few dinner parties not to mention a few chapters of a book. Yet even by ..read more

It was around the start of last year- or thereabouts- when I was asked by someone close to me whether I had considered joining the Council of Royal College of Physicians. It did actually make me startle a bit- the Royal College? Like THE RCP of London? I mean, I had my MRCP- and then paid for the tag of an FRCP- there was more beyond that? 'Why' was my query back- as putting something on my CV for the sake of it has never really floated my boat- and to be honest? Diabetes had given me enough on that front- so why bother? 45 minutes later, I was reasonably convinced to have a crack at it- as th ..read more

Finally? It's here. Ever since Jonathan Valabhji left, it's been a bit lonely to be honest. We were always the 'Dynamic Duo'- the Ying and the Yang in the diabetes policy world- the absolute chalk and cheese- yet a partnership of magical times. He had started around 2013- and then I joined 2016. And early last year, we had made plans to leave together. Yet circumstances, pace of advertisements being approved, new post being confirmed - had pushed back my departure since he left. But finally? It's here. To those interested- it's the National Specialty Advisor Role for Diabetes with NHS England ..read more

  It’s been a surreal month if I am honest. Time has stood still- yet simultaneously ran at breakneck speed- while my mind has tried to keep pace with it all. Dealing with the loss of Ma whilst keeping an eye on a grieving Baba- interspersed with roles of a being a dad myself while daughter explores a new life in the Big Apple perhaps would have been enough on its own- throw in the work side of things and it’s been..well..something. January has been an explosion as regards the roles I have held on a national basis. Post the launch of the NICE TA 943 which has caused understandable excitem ..read more

2023 is now done. A year which will be etched in my memories forever. A year like no other. A landmark year where I hit my 50th; a year which saw the absolute high of unquestionably the greatest achievement of my career - and a personal low where my Ma left me with memories of a lifetime. The grief is still raw- it comes in waves, triggered by simple things and instances, it comes without warning, it comes as a reminder to all to spend more time with their loved ones. Regrets there are none- and I have been told time heals all. Yet as the saying goes? 'What is grief but love persevering'- an ..read more