Professor Reena Sidhu is a Consultant Gastroenterologist and Honorary Professor with the University of Sheffield.

Tell us about yourself

I am a Consultant Gastroenterologist and Honorary Professor at the University of Sheffield. I lead one of the largest small bowel endoscopy units in the country which have won numerous awards. I am lucky to work with an enthusiastic team of doctors and nurses, in a World Endoscopy Organisation (WEO) recognised unit.

Tell us about your career journey in the UK

I did my medical degree in Dublin, Ireland having moved from Malaysia. Having graduated with an Honours degree, I decided to move to the UK for further training. During my foundation year, I worked in Liverpool with Prof Jonathan Rhodes in gastroenterology. The wide array of pathology and the mix of patient contact and practical procedures got me interested in gastroenterology as a speciality. 

When I interviewed for the speciality rotation, I was the only female candidate and on commencing my ‘registrar training', I was one of three female trainees in the region. This did not deter me and instead I sought out opportunities for formal time out of programme for research. In 2009, I published on the gender gap in academia which remains a problem still currently. I completed my training and undertook an MD with the University of Sheffield in small bowel endoscopy.  This ignited a passion for the path of clinical research. I was awarded the Hopkins prize by the BSG in 2012, the first female gastroenterologist to have won this. I am passionate about education and training and run a capsule endoscopy course for doctors and nurses and have led the JAG accreditation pathway for device assisted enteroscopy in the UK.  

Words of wisdom for Today’s women in gastroenterology

Having had a mentor throughout my career, I would strongly advocate it and encourage younger colleagues to have a mentor and have mentees as it is equally rewarding.  

My late father has always been an inspiration to me to ‘always give it a go’ and ‘don’t give up without trying’.  I still carry these words of wisdom in my everyday life. I would hope this can also inspire other women in the field of gastroenterology.  

Read Reena's original Meet our Members interview below.

What attracted you to a career in gastroenterology/hepatology?

I went to medical school in Ireland. I have always been interested in the gut but I was fortunate enough to do my foundation training under Prof Jonathan Rhodes in Liverpool.  Developing experience in managing variceal bleeds and diagnosing toxic megacolon on abdominal X-rays in my first year as a doctor affirmed my decision to pursue gastroenterology as a career.  I did also toy with the idea of critical care during my rotation at Charing Cross Hospital. However, I felt that gastroenterology provided both practical procedures and the ability to interact with patients more (who are not intubated and asleep!).

What advancement in gastroenterology/hepatology are you most excited about and why?

Artificial Intelligence in endoscopy is fast approaching and will soon be incorporated into endoscopy software for routine use. I am very excited about this development, especially within small bowel endoscopy, but it is vital that do not lose the human skill!

What do you enjoy most about your work?

Having been a consultant for over ten years, I enjoy medicine and the challenge of complex cases, and the ability to help and make a difference. I still feel that I never stop learning. It is a great pleasure to support nurses and junior colleagues through their training and into becoming consultant colleagues. Having been privileged enough to be a mentor, I try to instill confidence in others, and watching their growth and achievements makes it very rewarding.

What challenges do you face in your work?

Being a full-time NHS Consultant, undertaking clinical research, supervising clinical fellows and having a young family is a juggling act. I still strive to improve that balance and remind myself to refocus from time to time. I consider myself lucky to have great colleagues at work particularly when I feel my resilience is waning.

What is the one thing you would change?

The NHS IT platforms have improved considerably in the digital era. However, with the complexity, it can make patient interactions more rigid and a nightmare when they go down. Better IT infrastructure is a must for progress!

What’s the best advice you’ve been given in your career?

My Dad has always been an inspiration to me. He always advises me - in any situation where the decision may be difficult, take time to think and the right answer will come to you, and ‘never say never’. You cannot win if you don’t try! I tell my kids the same thing.

What does being a BSG member mean to you?

It is a pleasure to work with so many like-minded and enthusiastic members. There are so many opportunities that the BSG offers and I am proud to be able to be involved in the development of the Society and contribute to its growth.

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