Young doctor wins award for work on improving nutrition training
A YOUNG Bristol doctor has won an award for her efforts to see diet and nutrition given a more prominent role in UK medical training.
Dr Ally Jaffee, 25, said she was shocked by how little training UK doctors were given about nutrition during her five years of study.
The junior doctor who finished studying at the University of Bristol in June last year, said: “While at Bristol University I realised just how little emphasis the medical profession puts on diet and lifestyle, despite the huge impact they have on people’s mental and physical wellbeing and future health.
“Having a lifestyle that benefits us is so important, not just for physical health but also for our mental health.”
She and classmate Iain Broadley decided to set up a community interest company called Nutritank to advise UK medical schools on teaching students about diet and nutrition.
She said: “I wanted to put nutrition squarely on the curriculum so that the next generation of doctors can be equipped to prescribe ways for patients to help themselves.”
The young doctor felt that only a few qualified doctors are able to address key issues such as high blood pressure and heart disease due to poor diet and was determined to change that.
Thanks to her persistence, she has been honoured with a prestigious Diana Award. Only a handful of people around the world each year are given one for going above and beyond in their daily life to create and sustain positive change.
Dr Jaffee said: “Winning a Diana Award was so out of the blue – I’m still absolutely stunned – but it’s amazing to see the work that Nutritank is doing being recognised by such a prestigious scheme.
“Princess Diana was truly inspirational: a dedicated humanitarian who embraced leadership, activism and philanthropy whilst exuding kindness and passion. Diana is someone who should be endlessly celebrated, and to be associated with her is a true privilege and honour,” she said.
Nutritank’s success has led to Dr Jaffee and Iain appearing on Jamie Oliver’s Channel 4 Show Jamie and Jimmy’s Friday Night Feast. Since then, she has gone on to speak at international conferences.
Ashley Blom, Head of Bristol Medical School, said: “We are extremely proud of what Ally has achieved. Healthy living is immensely important in preventing both physical and mental illness.”
“Having a lifestyle that benefits us is so important, not just for physical health but also for our mental health.”
Dr Ally Jaffee