Young Diabetologists & Endocrinologists’ Forum (YDEF)

The Young Diabetologists and Endocrinologists' Forum is a forum for young diabetologists who are fully paid-up professional members of Diabetes UK.

The forum exists under the auspices of the professional working groups of Diabetes UK. Its constitution and any future changes shall be subject to the approval of this committee.

Aims

The forum seeks to represent and support the interests of junior doctors who are involved in any aspect of diabetes care or research. In particular, the Forum has three key objectives:

• Representation – within Diabetes UK via the elected member and on national committees by nomination from within the forum.
• Education and training – that might not be available elsewhere. This could cover clinical, research, managerial and other relevant topics to promote learning as well as the development of skills. A range of teaching and learning approaches would be employed. Information about relevant courses will also be disseminated.
• Networking – the development of contacts across the country to share information and experience will be promoted.

Membership

Members will normally be medically qualified, have completed general professional training and be involved in any aspect of diabetes care or research.

Associate membership may be offered to others (e.g. medical students) at the committee's discretion. Members will not have held a consultant or senior lecturer post for over two years.

Events and Courses

YDEF organises and delivers various meetings throughout the year, each offering a different aspect of diabetes care specifically targeted for members. Course topics include lipids, insulin pumps, foot care, research days, and clinical management.

The forum's highlight is its annual meeting, YDEF Day, which is appended to Diabetes UK's Professional Conference. The meeting aims to address and respond to the needs of all its members. 

Current Committee

• Anne DeBray (West Midlands)
• Becky Sagar (West Yorkshire)
• Gordon Sloan (Sheffield)
• Harriet Esdaile (North West London)
• Tahir Chohan (North East England)
• Anna Thomsen (South London) 
• David Williams (Wales)
• Rama Lakshman (Northern Ireland)
• Layla Thurston (North West London)
• Alex Liarakos (Oxford)
• Alice Hughes (South West Peninsula) 
• Abid Khan (North West)
• Angelica Sharma (East of England)
• Amy Coulden (West Midlands)
• Lauren Quinn (Birmingham)
• Matt North (North West London)
• Medha Agrawal (Wales)
• Simon Berry (South Yorkshire) 
• Florence Lee (South West London)
• Kate Lazarus (North West London)
• Aaran Patel (North West London)

Learn more about YDEF at Young Diabetologists and Endocrinologists' Forum website.