IBMS President Debra Padgett praised the profession in the Albert Norman Keynote Opening Address at this year’s IBMS Congress.
She said: “I’d like to thank you for your resilience in the pandemic recovery response. This period of social history gives us the opportunity to show that we can rise to the challenge.”
Debra added that it is vital that the profession does not lose momentum as the pandemic wanes.
In her speech she discussed the IBMS’ work over the last year, including the active role the Institute is now playing in politics and lobbying, leading to major government bodies and NHS England seeking the IBMS’ views and expertise.
Inclusivity was one of the central themes of her address, ranging from the IBMS widening access to accreditation through moving to virtual assessments and equity, diversity and inclusion being “intrinsic to everything that we do”.
Debra was introduced by the Chair of the Opening Plenary President-Elect Joanna Andrew and noted that it was the first time in the IBMS’ history that both the President-Elect and the President are women.
“As the 45th President, I am proud of what we have achieved and I’m proof that you can achieve your goals and your dreams,” concluded Debra. “Anything is possible if you want it enough.”