The annual British Society for Rheumatology conference in April provided an opportunity for BIRD to have a stand there promoting our work to rheumatology health professionals and it was also a delight to meet and talk to other charities there and hear about their work.
More importantly we were extremely pleased to have been able to award 6 bursaries to Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases staff to enable them to further their career and knowledge ultimately to the benefit of patients.
Also included in the bursary recipients were researchers from the University of Bath who work with the RNHRD. Our sincere thank you on their behalf to those of you who donated towards our bursary grant giving programme.
“BSR 2024 was my first experience presenting a poster at a scientific conference – a seminal moment in any researcher’s career. Thank you so much to BIRD for enabling me to attend. It was an absolute joy to share in several days of learning, networking and personal growth with academic and clinical colleagues, and a definite highlight of my PhD thus far! I left feeling inspired and excited to return to my own research, and it really was such a boost to both my confidence and motivation.” Rosie, University of Bath
“Thanks so much for BIRD support to attend my first BSR meeting. It was great to hear from leading clinicians and researchers in the field of AxSpA and axial PsA, and also be able to attend other sessions covering a range of the rheumatology field. Quite mind-blowing at times.” Ben, RNHRD.
“BSR is a key event in my work calendar. The variety of topics and learning this year was, again excellent, and I particularly took a lot from the sessions on menopause, the gut in Rheumatoid Arthritis, and the Osteoporosis session. Lots of action points and things for us to review and develop further in our service here in Rheumatology Therapies.” Jade, RNHRD.
