Email your comments

Every so often, life throws one a complete surprise. When I was asked to review Bim’s Bhomick’s book written with Rebecca Elizabeth Davies, I was curious as to the content and appeal of this magnum opus.

The book breaks down into three sections; the first describes in moving and informative terms the abuse suffered by Bim’s family at the time of the partioning of Bengal in 1946 and their narrow escape to India, the subsequent death of his father and sacrifices made by the family to secure an education for Bim, where he bids for scholarships and sponsorship at each stage in order to progress through school, college and medical school. He describes meeting the love of his life, Aparna, and the difficulties in marrying between different levels of the caste system before moving to the UK.

The second section is in its way as shocking as the first. The traumas of childhood and adolescence transfer to a parallel struggle to find work and pass the MRCP in the UK. The book pulls no punches in describing the prejudice experienced by International graduates applying for jobs in the UK in the late 1970’s and early 80’s. Bim had originally aspired to become a cardiologist but having experienced difficulty obtaining a Senior Registrar post was advised to move into Geriatric medicine and become a Consultant Geriatrician with some Cardiology attached. Thankfully, times have changed and Bim describes how, like many of us, he found his true vocation in looking after older people.

The third phase of the book carries a description of Bim’s achievements as a consultant in North Wales, particularly in the fields of Stroke medicine, medical education and teaching. He describes himself as occasionally “autocratic”, and relates how his colleagues described him as the “Clinical Dictator.” What does come across in this phase of the book is the immense pride he takes in the recognition he has received from the Royal college of Physicians, his chair from the University of Cardiff, his Founders medal from the BGS and, of course, his OBE. Even greater is the pride Bim takes in his family at each stage of his life and the inspiration he took from them, not least his father whose last words to him were, “be a good doctor”.

I expected to find this book entertaining, but having read it, I have learnt a little more about life in South Asia and its hardships. I have also learned about injustice in the UK and how, with determination, it is possible to succeed. In the epilogue, Bim describes some aphorisms he has used to promote success. One of these is “success is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration.” For any reader of this book there will be 10% perspiration and 90% inspiration.

David Beaumont