Doctor supports a local charity in a heartbeat

A doctor from Coventry has become the 70,000th member of the doctors’ organisation, MDDUS.

To celebrate the milestone, MDDUS waived Dr Muhammad Fahad ul Fazal’s fees for his first year and donated the same amount to the British Heart Foundation.

Dr Fazal, 40, an acute medicine specialist at Walsall Manor Hospital in the West Midlands, chose the BHF because the charity has a strong presence locally in Coventry where he lives.

He said: “When MDDUS gave me the opportunity to give something back to the local community, I immediately thought of the BHF as they have such a strong presence in Coventry.”

Alison Hardie, Head of Public Affairs at MDDUS, met Dr Fazal to present Angela Hopkinson, the manager of the Coventry BHF furniture store, with a cheque for £370.

Alison said: "Behind every one of our 70,000 memberships is a doctor or dentist caring for patients, often in challenging circumstances. That's why it was such a pleasure to meet Dr Fazal and celebrate this milestone with him.

“We're grateful to every member who places their trust in MDDUS and delighted that marking this occasion has also allowed us to support the British Heart Foundation and its work in the local community."

Dr Fazal, who qualified overseas in 2009 and began working in the West Midlands two and a half years ago, said: “I decided to join MDDUS when I was promoted into my current role and the medico-legal advice and support they give is so important to be able to access, should I ever need it.

“The quote they gave me was also very competitive, which was another deciding factor.”

Brooke Hawkins, BHF fundraising manager for Coventry, Warwickshire and Worcestershire, said: “Reaching 70,000 members is a remarkable achievement, and we are thrilled that MDDUS and Dr Muhammad Fahad ul Fazal have chosen to celebrate it by standing with the British Heart Foundation.

“Their donation will fuel pioneering research and innovative treatments that make a real difference every day. We’re proud to work alongside an organisation that champions the wellbeing of healthcare professionals and the public alike.” 

ENDS

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