A sabbatical
Consultant nephrologist Sui Phin Kon ('Pin') describes spending five weeks of her sabbatical in the office this autumn:
'I was fortunate enough to have a sabbatical which allowed me a complete break from renal medicine. However, I wanted to stay in London, surrounded by home comforts, having a nice long break with an opportunity to address my work-life balance. I also wanted to be involved in a Christian charity with a medical flavour. The choice was wide but it soon narrowed down to CMF.
Having been an inactive member for many years, I wanted to re-engage in encouraging Christian doctors and medical students in their faith and witness, in being a public voice for Christian values, and in taking more responsibility for the growth of new Christian medical groups throughout the world. These issues remain relevant as medical technology marches on and the world becomes more hostile to the Christian faith.
It was my privilege to spend some time with Peter Saunders and all his staff in Marshalsea Road. Travelling was easy, the hours were flexible, and Peter and his team accommodated me by identifying jobs which suited. Each day started with updates and news followed by Bible reading and prayer. This was a very useful time to get a big picture view before we all dispersed to our individual roles and tasks, knowing we were united in achieving common goals.
My needs were met. I interacted with all the staff members and now have a much better picture of how all the different departments work together. I would highly recommend any member with some spare time to consider the CMF office!
A PA for Peter
On 31 March another part of the CMF plan fell into place when Gwen Gowers started as the personal assistant for Peter Saunders. After college and secretarial training she worked for BT and came to us from Christian Research Association after they merged with The Bible Society and moved away.
Gwen lives in Belvedere, Kent with her husband Neil and their son Joshua. They also have a daughter, Gemma. Gwen worships at a local New Frontiers church and relaxes at home by reading and doing jigsaw puzzles. She loves camping whenever possible – in their caravan!
Congratulations
Alex Bunn – MRCGP
Janet Goodall – ICMDA Honorary Life Award for her service
David Misselbrook – Dean, Royal Society of Medicine
John Wyatt – Professor of Ethics and Perinatology at University College London
Outgoing
Matthew and Kate Burton (Cambridge) to Tanzania
Helen Nabwera (Nottingham) to Kenya
Sarah Petrie (Barts) to Kenya
Helen Scott-Cook (Bristol) to Germany
Cy Teoh to Malaysia
Emily Wilkinson (Oxford) to Tanzania
Homecoming
Thomas Accialini (Germany) from Sudan
Iain Craighead (Aberdeen) from Nepal
Peter Knight (Southampton) from Yemen
Joy Rafferty (Dundee) from Malawi
Joan Richards (Dublin) from Brazil
Philip Simmons (Newcastle) from Tajikistan
Sarah Tucker (Bristol) from Nepal
Simon Walton (Newcastle) from Tanzania
Change of address abroad
Karen Forrest (Oxford) from Gambia to Kenya
Obituaries
Norah Clarke (q 1937; d 6 August 2008) was 'a keen supporter of your work for many years'. She died peacefully in a nursing home aged 94.
David Edwards (q Oxford 1962; d 14 July 2008) was a retired consultant orthopaedic surgeon in Stoke-on-Trent and had been a senior lecturer at the University of Keele.
P A King-Lewis (q 1965; d August 2008) was living in Corbridge-on-Tyne, Northumberland at the time of his death.
Conrad Latto (q St Andrew's 1937; d 2008) had been a consultant surgeon at the Royal Berks Hospital in Reading.
Peter Cameron May (q London 1971; d 28 June 2008) was a consultant orthopaedic and trauma surgeon at the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford.
Bryan Thompson (q Cambridge/Barts 1949; d 2 June 2008) worked in St Luke's Hospital, Bihar, India for 35 years from 1955, becoming medical superintendent in 1959. He was awarded MBE and retired to Scotland.
Helen Thompson (q Glasgow 1947; d 5 February 2008) was born Helen Mair, married Bryan Thompson (see above) and worked with him in O&G in Bihar.'Multitasking was her forte.'
Michael Thomson (q 1951; d 2008) was living in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia at the time of his death.
Heather Sims Williams (q Bristol 1970; d 1 October 2008) worked in general practice and rheumatology in Bristol, had a full family life, and was a medical adviser for OMF.
