The positions available for this election were President, Vice-President, and Honorary Secretary. The PDA would like to say congratulations to the newly elected committee!
Meet the newly elected PDA LGBT+ Network Officers
Adam Somerville, President
Resident pharmacist
Adam Somerville works as a resident hospital pharmacist in London. Adam has been a proud member of the PDA since starting their MPharm in 2018 and then joined the PDA LGBT+ Network upon registering as a pharmacist in 2023.
Adam said, “I’ve marched with the PDA LGBT+ Network at Manchester Pride, raising our network’s profile and showing the public that pharmacy is a diverse, inclusive, and empowering profession. I have also contributed to the network’s newsletter, sharing my experiences from a quality improvement project that increased awareness of antiretrovirals and HIV care among pharmacists. Through this, I helped introduce many pharmacy professionals to PrEP and PEP, vital services championed by the LGBT+ community, and helped advocate for their broader provision.
However, we all recognise that equality, diversity, and inclusion have faced significant challenges in the current political climate. I am highly motivated to help grow and strengthen the network through social events, skill-sharing opportunities, and professional networking. I believe this will build the momentum we need to empower each other and continue championing the causes we stand for.”
Dr Joshua Wells, Vice President
Medical Adviser for Boehringer Ingelheim
Dr Joshua Wells has worked closely with the PDA LGBT+ Committee as a co-opted member for a few years and has contributed to the network’s portfolio of work in both an advisory and/or active role. Joshua recognises that now more than ever, visible and bold leadership is required not only for the pharmacy profession, but more widely for the LGBT+ community who face increasing discrimination and health inequalities both.
Joshua said, “I hope to bring a proactive and positive steer to the committee and wider network by engaging in frequent dialogue with members, raising the profile of our concerns, but also enhancing recognition of our expertise and experience, with a view to building on the incredible work already achieved since the inception of the network.
I would like to increase external engagement with agencies such as the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), pharmacy schools, and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS). I hope to build long-standing relationships that focus on inclusive education and awareness of LGBT+ health disparities in the UK, particularly with reference to transgender and gender-diverse communities, and the role of pharmacists in this space. I also aim to develop representation for LGBT+ health as an independent speciality and area of interest for pharmacy professionals in the UK.”
Amber Wynn, Honorary Secretary
Hospital pharmacist
For the past 2 years, Amber has regularly attended NHS LGBT+ networking events and local events for their hospital at the Royal Cornwall Hospital. These events have opened up opportunities for collaborative working for Amber
Amber said, “With the current political climate affecting LGBT+ people in Britain, and particularly transgender people, I am eager to use my voice and expertise as a pharmacist to speak up for the community. Having seen the impact statements from other healthcare unions, such as the British Medical Association have had, I feel that working with the PDA LGBT+ Network will also have a great benefit for the community.
I am constantly keeping myself up to date with current issues affecting the LGBT+ community, such as the Cass Report. During my role of being a co-opted member of the PDA LGBT+ Committee, I have also given some suggestions to add to a statement by the PDA LGBT+ Network regarding our stances on the Cass Report and Sullivan Report. I am also keen to help represent the network at pharmacy conferences.”
The newly elected officers will work alongside Liam Volk, who will now serve as the PDA LGBT+ Network’s Immediate Past President, and the co-opted members of the network’s committee. The network’s President, Vice President, and Honorary Secretary serve the network for a term of 2 years.
The PDA would like to thank Liam for his time, hard work, and commitment to the PDA LGBT+ Network, as well as his care for LGBT+ members and the wider PDA membership.
Get involved
- Join the PDA LGBT+ Network here.
- Follow the PDA LGBT+ Network on social media using the hashtag #PDAlgbt
- Contact the PDA LGBT+ Network committee by emailing [email protected]
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