Milton Keynes Physician awarded prestigious Churchill Fellowship to improve understanding of substance misuse

The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, in partnership with the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, has awarded a Travelling Fellowship to Dr Dush Mital, a consultant physician from Milton Keynes, who will be researching ways of improving understanding of substance misuse for both healthcare professionals and patients.

Dr Mital, who works for Milton Keynes University Hospital, will be travelling to Canada to carry out his research.

With the NHS under increasing pressure to find savings without compromising on patient experience, there is a real need for fresh perspectives on existing problems.

Dr Dush Mital explained:

“The provision of healthcare with respect to substance addiction has always been a mixed picture in the UK. Addiction is often viewed as a 'lifestyle' issue rather than a medical condition, and this has contributed to a lack of public support. The main aim of my Fellowship is to gain an insight into what educational, development and training methods exist to deliver an understanding of substance use and addiction to both healthcare professionals and patients. I will also benefit from the observation of education and management of Blood Borne Viruses in Injecting Drug Users, as part of substance abuse and addiction observations.”

Julia Weston, Chief Executive of the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, said:

“Churchill Fellows travel globally and return with innovative ideas and a commitment to sharing their findings to help others in the UK”.

Elaine Tait, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, said:

“The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh is delighted to be supporting the Churchill Fellowships for a third year. The College is committed to supporting the international exchange of knowledge in healthcare, which can ultimately lead to improvements in patient care.

“Through his Fellowship, Dr Mital will experience first-hand some of the approaches used abroad to improve provision of healthcare for patients with drug addictions. He will translate his learnings back into the UK healthcare system and help deliver a new perspective on how we tackle challenges we face in relation to substance abuse.”

Ends

Notes to Editors

The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust

In total 150 Fellowships have been awarded across the UK in 2017, an investment of over £1.4 million in UK citizens. The Fellows will be travelling to 49 countries between them, across six continents, where they will carry out a wide range of projects, designed to benefit their communities and professions in the UK. The average length of a Fellowship is six weeks.

Churchill Fellows come from all over the UK and from many different backgrounds. They must be UK citizens aged 18 or over, but no qualifications are required. What Fellows share is a passion to make a difference and a desire to share their passion to inspire others.

The categories for the 2018 Winston Churchill Travelling Fellowships will be announced on Tuesday 9^th May 2017. See www.wcmt.org.uk for more details.

We have many examples of Fellows’ stories of achievement from 1965 to the present day. If you would like one from a particular year or location, or would like to interview a Fellow, please contact The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Press Office on 020 7799 1660, or email press@wcmt.org.uk

Find us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh

The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh aims to improve the quality of patient care. It represents over 12,000 Fellows and Members worldwide, setting standards and influencing health policy. The College helps physicians and related specialties pursue their careers through its world-renowned education and training programme, while maintaining the highest standards in training, assessment and continuing professional development.

The College is working with the WCMT to support one Fellowship for a doctor per year in the three-year Patient Care project, and will help disseminate the findings.