Member focus

Dr Dwain Neil, whose organisation, the Reach Society, is an Affiliated member of the IMF, has written an autobiography "Dreams from my life".  He writes:

'In the year before my 70th birthday, I felt a very strong urge to capture the story of my life. This feeling overlapped with the arrival of my first grandchildren, and the realisation that I might not be there when they become adults. I hoped my story would help my children when talking about their grandparents. I also wanted to thank several people for their acts of random kindness, which have shaped the person I became. And my third reason for writing was to share how I was guided by a vision and a set of persistent dreams, the first of which I had under the age of nine. "Dreams from My Life: My Autobiography," is my story.'

The book is obtainable here:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dreams-My-Life-Autobiography-ebook/dp/B0GBZYX36W/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?

Support for Neurodivergent Members

“Considering the clear benefits neurodivergent doctors bring to the workforce, it is paramount that they are appropriately supported, across all career stages.”*

Like many dedicated professionals, neurodivergent doctors, dentists and allied health practitioners may find certain tasks more demanding than their neurotypical peers.  Working at the intersection of cognitive difference and professional development, award winning director and lead coach and IMF member, Jannett Morgan, has provided strength-based neuro-affirming support for licensed professionals who want to develop practical strategies to demonstrate their competence, prepare for assessments, and work sustainably. 

Areas of support needed by neurodivergent doctors and health practitioners include:

– planning for (re)accreditation and revalidation

– exam and assessment preparation

– organisation and time management

– professional relationships and communication

– self-regulation and resilience

– giving and receiving feedback

– articulating strengths and achievements

Finding a confidential, non-assessment-based service produces life-changing benefits. It is also critical for those experiencing difficulties with exams, documentation, or meeting regulatory requirements. Jannett’s coaching is designed to support doctors in navigating professional requirements safely and effectively.

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For further information and to book an exploratory call, please contact [email protected]

*Heaps C, Shaw SCK, Doherty M. Supporting neurodivergent doctors to thrive at work. BJPsych Advances. Published online 2025:1-12. doi:10.1192/bja.2025.10116

Menopause-Brain Fog - Access to Advice and Help

By our member Mr Makarand Oak MBBS, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

‘Brain fog’ is a symptom frequently mentioned by women approaching their 40s and 50s. This is a collective term for cognitive disruption resulting in impaired cognitive function in daily activities. Symptoms include difficulty recalling words, misplacing items, trouble concentrating, being prone to distraction, and losing one’s train of thought. There are oestrogenic receptors in the pre-frontal lobe and in the hippocampus part of the brain, which are an important part of reasoning and learning, and these are adversely affected with falling levels of oestrogen. Brain fog is often accompanied by other symptoms such as menstrual irregularity, hot flushes, night sweats, skin and vaginal dryness, and sleep disturbances. The spectrum may begin before periods stop and may continue for several years after. Lifestyle factors play a significant role in the foregoing symptom complex.  

Management of brain fog and/or menopause symptoms should start with a detailed medical history, which should include lifestyle factors, relevant examination, offering opportunistic cervical and breast screening, full health check and in high-risk cases arranging a baseline DEXA scan.

The ideal treatment/management goal is eliminating symptoms, but this may take up to six months to achieve. Management options are conventional Hormone Replacement Therapies, alternative medicine, and lifestyle changes including yoga and meditation.

The best outcomes are achieved by a patient-led engagement approach.

Mr Makarand Oak MBBS, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and (Late) Clinical Chair London Independent Hospital. GMC No 1740718