About Us
BAPIO is a non-profit organisation open to all healthcare professionals in the UK. We are acclaimed for our commitment to empowering doctors and nurses, fostering professional development, and promoting equality, diversity and inclusion within the National Health Service (NHS). Since its conception in 1996 with the initial aim of supporting international
medical graduates, BAPIO has grown in stature and influence to become one of the largest organisations of its type in the country.
BAPIO has 13 divisions covering all regions of the UK as well as 7 specialty forums including the Women’s Forum, Young Doctor’s Forum, GP Forum, Health & Well-being Forum, SAS/LED Forum, Paediatric Forum and Patient Safety Forum. BAPIO also has five arm’s length bodies: Medical Defence Shield (MDS), BAPIO Training Academy (BTA) , BAPIO Institute for Health Research (BIHR) , British Indian Nurses Association (BINA) , and BAPIO Faculty of Leadership (BFL).
BAPIO is dedicated to helping all its members maximise their potential by providing
networking opportunities with thought leaders and industry experts, mentorship and guidance, access to a range of CPD-accredited events, conferences, and workshops as well as advocacy and support.
BAPIO collaborates with UK Healthcare stakeholders including the General Medical Council, Health Education England, and the Royal Colleges to enhance the professional skills of doctors and to monitor, highlight and address the difficulties faced by doctors from ethnic minorities. Since its inception, we have successfully carried out many campaigns against discrimination and have come a long way in reducing the inherent inequality in many aspects of education, training, and career progression. BAPIO has professional links with ethnic minority medical organizations and our charitable activities are focused on supporting disaster events globally.
BAPIO’s Arm’s Length Bodies
Medical Defence Shield (MDS) covers both employment and conduct issues. BAPIO established it as our members were not getting the expected service from existing medico-legal organisations. It has become a significant establishment with an excellent track record of supporting doctors in difficulty.
BAPIO Training Academy (BTA) was launched in 2015 by the CEO of the NHS Mr Simon Stevens. It has a huge training footprint in the UK and India. BTA helps with recruitment and retention of healthcare personnel. BTA provides excellent opportunities for members to become-faculty for training in the UK and India.
BAPIO Institute for Health Research (BIHR) provides opportunities to participate in research. It has two peer reviewed academic Journals, The Physician and The Sushruta with preferential article processing for BAPIO members.
BAPIO Faculty of Leadership (BFL) provides training in Leadership and Mentoring.
The British Indian Nurses Association helps with pastoral care to Indian Nurses in the UK. It also helps with the induction of newly arrived Indian Nurses.
Who We Are
BAPIO is a national voluntary organisation promoting professional excellence and leadership amongst healthcare professionals to improve patient care.
How Do Members Benefit?
Network with like-minded peers and senior clinicians
Platform to share and discuss views on issues affecting the NHS
Be a part of an organisation that you know will stand up for your rights
Preferential article processing for publishing in BIHR’s journals
Receive mentorship via BAPIO Faculty of Leadership
- 10% discount* on Medical Defence Shield membership
Improve your physical/mental well-being via BAPIO’s Health & Well-being Forum
Discounted rates for conferences and training events