Take a look at the range of social and educational events.
Getting actively involved in the Branch Council can help you build your network and contacts, providing invaluable support throughout your career. It is also a great way to give back to the profession, using your influence in a positive way to ensure your voice is heard.
The branch hosted their sold-out Centenary Gala Ball at Belfast City Hall on 7 October 2023 to celebrate 100 years since its inception. This included a talk from Richard Graham on his book 'A History of the Northern Ireland Branch of the BDA'. The Great Hall at Queens University will be the venue for the 2024 Presidential Installation Dinner on 26 January 2024, where the current President Philip McLorinan will install Professor Gerry McKenna as President for 2024.
There are more opportunities to network and re-connect with colleagues at the evening events coming up, including A Pragmatic Approach to Treatment of Tooth Wear on 19 October 2023, and Conversations that Convert on 14 November 2023. These are very well-attended and book up fast, so look out for them to secure your place. The 2024 programme of educational and social events will be available in early 2024.
Alongside the many events held by the branch, we are also hosting the popular event Life Beyond the SDR, coming up on 20 October 2023. This in-person seminar will be held in The Hilton Hotel at Templepatrick and aims to empower Northern Ireland's practitioners to invest in their professional development and become aware of the many business models of general practice.
2023 Northern Ireland Branch President, Philip McLorinan, said: "I am delighted that we have returned fully to much needed face-to-face meetings again. The quality of the educational events has resulted in great attendance at every event and our members have taken the opportunity to network and re-connect with each other.
The recent Centenary Ball was a superb event hosted in the magnificent surroundings of Belfast City Hall, it was a fabulous night of great company, fine food, and entertainment, it was definitely a night to remember!"
The Northern Ireland Branch is always looking for enthusiastic members interested in joining the council. These roles are a great way to get involved with our activities and help provide and shape local educational and networking events. If you are interested in getting involved, email the Local Services Team [email protected] or call 020 7563 4590.
If you are interested in joining and finding out more, members and non-members are welcome to attend meetings and can sign up to receive updates via email. The Northern Ireland Branch AGM, held on 14 November 2023, will include a fundraiser for the BDA Benevolent Fund. If you are interested in putting your name forward for the Branch Council ahead of the AGM, please contact the NI Office at [email protected] or the Branch Secretary.