Final year medical student, Harroop Bola, and Founding Chair of the British Indian Medical Association, which received the Diana Award last year, shares how the association fosters mentorship, education, and leadership for medical professionals from Widening Participation backgrounds. He highlights BIMA’s impactful initiatives, from academic workshops to community support, inspiring the next generation of changemakers in the NHS and global healthcare.
I am delighted to share that my work with the British Indian Medical Association has been honoured with the Diana Award 2024- the highest accolade a young person can achieve for social action or humanitarian efforts. Established in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, the award is given out by the charity of the same name and has the support of both her sons, HRH The Prince of Wales and Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex.
Joining Imperial College London’s School of Medicine as a first-generation university student without established connections in medicine was an intimidating journey. While access to medical school has improved through widening participation initiatives, the systemic challenges remain; opportunities within medicine often favour those with access to high-quality mentorship. With approximately one-third of medical students coming from medical families and competition for training posts increasing annually, mentorship has become an invaluable asset. For individuals like me, navigating the complexities of a medical career and building a competitive portfolio without prior insight into the profession can feel overwhelming.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, as I transitioned from my first to second year of medical school, I joined forces with Dr Amar Rai and Virensinh Rathod to establish the British Indian Medical Association (BIMA). Our vision was simple yet powerful: to foster a sense of community within the medical field and leverage collective support to address gaps in education, mentorship, and cultural identity.
What started as a small team of three Imperial College London students has now grown into a thriving organisation. Overseeing four committees and more than 300 dedicated members across three streams—BIMA, and its surgical and junior doctor wings—we have delivered tangible, impactful outcomes. Since our inception in 2019, BIMA has hosted over 275 events, reaching a global audience of more than 7,500 individuals and mentoring over 300 students through a comprehensive four-year programme.
Pioneering Academic and Surgical Education
In our first year, BIMA was the first medical organisation to provide free, remote academic teaching workshops on a global scale, benefiting over 4,000 students. This initiative was a proactive response to the pandemic and its disruptive impact on education. The success of these workshops was validated by two peer-reviewed studies highlighting their international and domestic impact on academic and career support.
In addition, our flagship two-year Basic Surgical Skills course, supported by the Royal College of Surgeons, has provided hands-on surgical training to 54 aspiring surgeons across 10 UK medical schools. This initiative has been pivotal in addressing inequalities in surgical education and equipping students with the skills necessary to thrive in competitive fields.
Beyond Education: Building a Community and Driving Change
BIMA’s ethos extends beyond education. We are committed to fostering a cohesive community that nurtures cultural identity, professional growth, and leadership. Through various initiatives, BIMA provides a platform for senior medical students and clinicians to enhance their speciality and core surgical training applications while developing national leadership skills. Our not-for-profit model inspires future medical leaders to create positive change within the NHS and beyond.
From collaborating with the General Medical Council (GMC) to support International Medical Graduates (IMGs) transitioning to the UK to partnering with Wesleyan for financial education, BIMA’s initiatives are diverse and far-reaching. A standout achievement has been our work with the GMC to address the confidence gap among IMGs, culminating in direct support for over 600 registered IMGs.
We are also proud of our efforts to raise cancer awareness within the South Asian community in partnership with the Asian Cancer Support Group and to lead initiatives that inspire the next generation of changemakers within the NHS.
Recognitions and Milestones
Our commitment to empowering medical professionals has been widely recognised. Among our proudest moments is personally receiving the 2024 Diana Award. This follows other significant recognitions, including the MedAll Exceptional Educator Award, the Imperial College Union Outstanding Service Award, and the 2024 Akindolie Medical Scholarship as the primary winner. These achievements reflect the collective dedication of our team and the support of our esteemed Patrons, Professor Prakash P. Punjabi and Professor JS Bamrah CBE.
Inspiring the Next Generation
BIMA remains dedicated to showcasing research, facilitating networking, and enhancing clinical skills for medical students and professionals. Our recent national networking reception and 3rd annual conference at Imperial College London welcomed over 300 delegates and featured esteemed speakers, including Dr Chaand Nagpaul CBE, Past Chair of the British Medical Association. These events provided invaluable insights and opportunities for attendees to connect with role models and peers.
Looking ahead, we are excited to host our upcoming national conference, Revolutionising Healthcare: Innovation, Technology, and Global Health, on Sunday, 23rd March 2025. This event will continue our mission to inspire, support, and empower future generations in medicine.
Join Us
BIMA’s journey is one of collaboration, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to making a difference. If you’re passionate about contributing to our mission or learning more about our initiatives, we invite you to connect with us at www.thebima.co.uk. Together, we can continue to bridge gaps, build communities, and shape the future of healthcare.