Dr Fabida Aria

Summary

Together with you, as registrar, I would love to take the college to the greatest heights and enable best outcomes for people across the world. I will do this by valuing members to achieve their full potential and I have a track record of successful leadership and enabling positive change.

My statement in full

This statement will soon be available in Welsh.

As a consultant psychiatrist and executive medical director in one of the largest mental health Trusts in the UK and a successful medical leader for over 13 years, and my additional college roles over the years ( regional advisor, specialist advisor for medical trainee initiative and chair of transcultural special interest group) I know I can fulfil the responsibilities of college registrar to a high standard. My achievements have been acknowledged nationally and I was honoured to be awarded the prestigious RCPsych 'Psychiatrist of the year' in 2023. 

Let me share a little bit about myself. I was born in Kerala, India, lived in Oman during my school years, and left home at age 16 to study in India. I went to medical school in Bangalore, India, and worked in Kerala before coming to the UK. I volunteered from a young age in a range of roles, which led me, rather beautifully, to psychiatry and helped me find my true purpose in life. Living and working in multicultural societies has always given me immense insights and joy, but also, at times, pain when I witness or experience stark inequalities. My transition from an international medical graduate to an executive board member helps me connect and support everyone and I share my journey openly.

My professional challenges as a female leader from an ethnic minority, an international medical graduate, and a general adult psychiatrist, from providing clinical leadership over large geographical regions, particularly during times of austerity and COVID have taught me a great deal. The adversities and vulnerabilities I have faced have become strengths in my various clinical and leadership roles. I am not afraid to speak up, try new approaches, challenge when necessary, and, equally, to apologise and learn when mistakes are made.

As College Registrar, I will be responsible for policy, communications, workforce wellbeing and support, as well as overseeing coaching, mentoring, membership engagement, and public education. I will also support regional advisors and representatives and manage complaints. Having spoken to members across all categories, I understand both the strengths and challenges faced by individuals and groups, alongside the many opportunities available.

I am committed to strengthening the collective ‘we’ and bringing out the best in everyone. Listening to members, patients, carers, and communities is an integral part of what I do, and these insights have truly shaped me.  I thrive on new experiences and firmly believe that anything is possible.

I see the College as a big family, with all members from around the world who bring incredible strengths. Together, our impact can be truly phenomenal. As Registrar, I will facilitate the exchange of ideas from across the globe, transforming them into actions and using evidence to inform policy and practice while addressing the inequalities our patients face. Valuing diversity and genuinely listening to lived experiences are key to getting it right.

In summary, I would love to work alongside you to take the College to new heights and enable the best outcomes for people across the world