Dr Helen Chidlow PGCME MRCGP
Helen trained in London at what was then St Marys and qualified in 2001. With hindsight, the interest in substance misuse and social determinants of health was already there as she opted to spend a special choice module with a homeless GP Practice.
She completed house jobs in London and then returned North to start a medical rotation in her home town of Hull.
After 2 years, she decided to switch to GP training and completed this in 2007 in York.
Her first trainer was a lead at the Substance Misuse clinic and sparked an enthusiasm for this area. She completed her part 1 of training as a registrar, loved it and started working in the clinic on qualification.
She has been there ever since and after 9 years as GP partner made the jump to work full time within substance misuse. It has had its ups and downs and many iterations due to contract changes.
She now works for Spectrum with a dual role as a GP in the Drug and alcohol service and in a secure unit and as their lead for medical education. She is passionate about extending educational opportunities for students and postgraduates in both prison medicine and substance misuse. We need to advocate more than ever for equitable healthcare.
This was the inspiration for the poster and she has been very fortunate to work with some inspirational colleagues at our local hospice. We are excited for the opportunities this partnership is going to bring.
