Preeti's story
Retired GP representing diverse voices as research partner
"My name is Preeti. I’m a 52-year-old retired doctor with rheumatoid disease and fibromyalgia.
Before retirement, I was aware of Arthritis UK and used its resources to help patients and myself.
In medicine, most studies, diagnoses and treatments are based upon a 70kg caucasian man and, as an obese disabled female of ethnic minority, I felt it was important to have diverse voices in research.
I contacted the Arthritis UK Research involvement team some months ago and was welcomed as a Research Partner. Everybody has been very supportive and helpful and to my delight believe in the importance of a strong diverse patient voice in any research involving them.
I’m very new but have felt heard and encouraged to participate. The team are very accommodating and considerate and there is no pressure which is important as my health over this winter hasn’t been good.
I have only great things to say about the team and would encourage fellow sufferers to get involved as research partners."
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