6: GP+ Learning Disabilities with Dr Ayesha Mahmud

The GP+ Careers Podcast

This month we are joined by Dr Ayesha Mahmud, a salaried GP, TPD, ICB lead and Faculty Education Lead with a special interest in Learning Disabilities and Autism. Ayesha describes how her GP career path changed due to her passion for advocating for patients with learning disabilities. She also outlines her achievements within this area of work and highlights of the role.
Top tips:

• You can always change direction of travel – Ayesha previously had a background in minor surgery and changed to learning disabilities as it was a passion of hers with a personal meaning to drive change
• Find your Tribe – Ayesha recommends exploring the RCGP Special Interest Group for Learning Disabilities where you can connect with those who share your special interest, expand your networks and opportunities and learn from each other
• Raise awareness of your work – If you are working to improve the quality of patient care for those with learning disabilities, it is important to raise awareness of this as it can lead to more joined up thinking and improved patient outcomes
• Expand your knowledge - Ayesha highly recommends the RCGP One Day Essentials courses for different topics which are now free to members to book
• Small changes can be rewarding – Implementing small changes in your practice can be hugely beneficial to patients. Ayesha provides an example of this whereby her GP Practice has an alert system set up for a patient on the learning disability register, so the receptionist is notified and can try to make reasonable adjustments for them such as a longer appointment time.

Dr Ayesha Mahmud is a salaried GP, TPD, ICB lead and Faculty Education Lead. She has special interest in Learning Disabilities and Autism. She is deeply committed to enhancing the quality of care for individuals with Learning Disabilities and works actively to reduce health inequalities in healthcare system.
Further reading
Post graduate qualification
PGCert Learning Disability and/or Autism | Edge Hill
RCGP Special Interest Group for Learning Disabilities with contact and joining details
Learning disabilities group
RCGP One Day Essentials on Learning Disabilities - free to attend
RCGP One Day Essentials conferences
New to Practice fellowship schemes possibly available across different regions (check with your local commissioners about fellowship opportunities in their area)
New to Practice GP Fellowships
Regular webinars & meetings are held by British Institute for Learning Disabilities
Membership | bild
Palliative care planning for people with Learning Disabilities
End Of Life Care Planning | The Victoria And Stuart Project
Fairhealth
Free learning resources to help reduce Health Inequalities
Learning Disability Friendly Badge
Learning Disability Friendly Badge - Happy Healthy Lives
Ayesha’s awards - The Martin Wilkinson Award at RCGP Midland Faculty Award and the Highly Commended Best Collaborative Award at the RCGP Inspire Awards 2024
COVENTRY & WARWICKSHIRE LEARNING DISABILITY FRIENDLY BADGE RECOGNISED WITH TWO RCGP AWARDS - Happy Healthy Lives