Nomaan Sheikh

I have had the privilege of spending time in the East midlands both as a trainee and now, as a trainer. In my time here, I have seen changes in the workforce and inevitably a shift in culture within orthopaedic departments. This has been positive for the most part, but I recognise there is still a discrepancy within our specialty in its make up compared to the wider population we treat, as well as the wider diverse workforce within the NHS.

The NHS can be perceived to be reactive when it comes to its workforce. I have personally seen trainees not pursue orthopaedics as a career due to presumed cultural barriers and a feeling that it is inflexible in its approach to training. This is not an acceptable situation.

I am very interested in contributing to increasing engagement within the wider population and encourage them to pursue a career in orthopaedics. There is a lot of scope in this specialty and through the BOA; there is the prospect of really changing the culture for the better and thereby attracting and retaining staff for the future. I believe I have the required drive and commitment to help meet these challenges.