Dr Hannah Brew

Meet Dr Hannah Brew: A trailblazing GP redefining disability in medicine

  • MBChB, MRCGP MPH, DRCOG
  • Portfolio GP
  • Prison Doctor
  • Advocate for the equality and rights of differently abled people in the workplace
  • Mentor for International Medical Graduates (IMGs)
  • Proud mother of two
  • Avid bibliophile

Hannah is a force to be reckoned with in the medical field. A portfolio GP with a thriving career, Hannah is breaking barriers and challenging societal perceptions of disability. Diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (a chronic autoimmune disease causing severe muscle weakness) at the onset of her specialty training, she has defied the odds to continue excelling in her medical career despite the significant impact of her condition on her daily life.

Myasthenia gravis affects Hannah voluntary muscles, severely affecting her vision, her speech and all her limbs, making it necessary for her to use crutches on her more challenging days. Yet rather than letting this condition define her, she has turned it into a source of strength and empathy. Her lived experience with chronic illness and frequent hospital admissions profoundly shapes her approach to patient care, allowing her to connect with her patients from a place of deep understanding.

Hannah’s struggles with securing adequate occupational health support during her specialty training ignited her passion for occupational health. This led her to pursue a diploma in the field, with a mission to help others navigate the challenges of balancing chronic illness with work. She is particularly driven to advocate for reasonable adjustments in the workplace, ensuring individuals with disabilities can thrive in their careers while managing their health.

But her impact doesn’t stop there. Hannah has developed a special interest in substance misuse and addiction management, especially within the prison healthcare system. As a Locum Prison GP working with incarcerated individuals, she offers compassionate care to a marginalized and often misunderstood population.

Her qualifications are as diverse as her interests: a Diploma of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (DRCOG), a Master of Public Health, and a certification in substance misuse and addiction management.

Beyond her clinical roles, Hannah is deeply committed to mentoring and supporting international medical graduates (IMGs). As someone who relocated from Ghana to the UK to pursue her medical career, she intimately understands the challenges IMGs face. She has created a supportive network for them, offering guidance on navigating the NHS and balancing the demands of training with personal and professional growth.

In addition to her professional achievements, Hannah is a proud mother of two and an avid bibliophile. Her love of books makes her an engaging conversationalist. If you ever meet her, start the conversation by sharing the last book you read, and you’ll be in for a lively discussion!

Dr. Hannah Brew is a shining example of resilience, empathy, and excellence in medicine. Through her work and advocacy, she is not only redefining what disability looks like but also inspiring others to embrace diversity and inclusion in healthcare.

Published On: 27 January 2025Categories: IYASU, Women In Medicine

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