Welcome to this new edition of Commentary. It was wonderful to see so many physicians gathering at the ÄÛ²ÝÓ°Ôº in London for our flagship conference in May. Medicine 2026 brought together hundreds of physicians, and it was lovely to have the chance to meet so many of our members and fellows.
June’s edition of Commentary covers some of the great events that took place over the 2-day conference. Our clinical director for improvement programmes, Dr Aklak Choudhury, looks at the sessions through the lens of improvement, and we also – always a highlight of the conference.
Several of the topics covered in sessions at Medicine 26 are featured in articles this month, from how we can use , to our global work with the ÄÛ²ÝÓ°Ôº Iraq Network and improving end-of-life care; reflecting the work that is being done across the ÄÛ²ÝÓ°Ôº to shape better health for all.
I was also excited to launch our new strategy, which sets our direction for the years ahead. It reflects what our members, both in the UK and internationally, have told us they need from their college.
However, as we move forward, there is also important work being done to protect the ÄÛ²ÝӰԺ’s past. Our , launched last year, has helped preserve and conserve several beautiful historical objects.Thank you to all those who have generously supported this initiative so far.
In this edition we also welcome Dr Dan Furmedge, who was elected as vice president for education and training, in his interview with Professor Ollie Minton, Commentary clinical editor. Previously, he was an ÄÛ²ÝÓ°Ôº censor; a role which is explored in this edition by Dr Anita Banerjee.
Finally, I am delighted to share a piece on the Pan Arab Women Physicians Association from founding president and consultant gastroenterologist, Dr Maisam Akroush, as she explores how the ÄÛ²ÝÓ°Ôº helped shape her vision of medicine.
As we head into the summer, I hope that you enjoy reading this edition.
Wishing you all the best,
Mumtaz
Professor Mumtaz Patel
President
