I attended ARM as a first-time delegate, having been elected as a medical student representative for Newcastle University. My experience of the BMA at this point was limited, having previously been involved in representing my colleagues on the medical student committee and attending the medical student conference.

My first experience at the medical students conference was fantastic: seeing policy from grassroots members debated and passed, and then informing the committee's actions for the term ahead. It was also clear that for policy to be successful across all branches of the BMA, it needed to be successful at ARM, which pushed me into submitting my nomination for a seat.

I was elected to attend ARM via the medical students conference nomination process – standing on a pitch to improve student representation at this level of the BMA and speaking and voting decisively on issues that students feel most acutely. While my experience of working within the BMA at this point was limited, I was encouraged by more experienced representatives to put my name forward – aware of the multiple opportunities for support along the way.

I was lucky enough to already know several other medical student delegates who were attending the conference. However, before the event there was lots of contact between representatives, which meant when I arrived in Belfast there were plenty of people to meet with. Multiple conversations also took place to plan the motions that we wanted to speak on and provide specific medical student perspectives to. The whole process was explained to us via several written guides and an online webinar.

Being part of such a large event carried a ‘buzz’ and it felt as though the whole city of Belfast was packed out for the conference. It was valuable to network with other like-minded members, and members from all stages of their medical careers. Seeing national news stories breaking on issues that we voted on during the day highlighted the importance of the event and the impact that our decisions would have. Hearing updates from the BMA chief officers, and hearing about the overall direction the BMA was taking was inspiring.

At the conference in Belfast, there was spirited and impassioned debate surrounding proposed changes to the BMA’s structure, which unfortunately were not passed. However, there are hopes for these proposed changes to reappear next year. Outside of the conference itself, the opportunity to socialise with members working in areas of interest to me was fantastic, as well as enjoying what Belfast’s nightlife had to offer!

As a graduate medical student, I feel strongly that certain groups are underrepresented within the BMA, and issues that affect us greatly do not get the airtime they deserve. My core takeaway from my involvement at the conference was that all the motions had originated from a grassroots member at the conference of their respective branch of practice. It clearly showed how the opinions of each member could create real, tangible change.

Following the conference, and my newfound confidence in engaging within the BMA, I was inspired to stand as medical students committee deputy chair deputy chair, a role which I currently hold. In this role, I am leading a large, BMA-wide campaign to change the funding system for medical students in England. I believe that we can make a real difference in medical students’ lives – with the foundations of our campaign being a motion passed by a member at our MSC conference – showing again that grassroots members have the ability to shape the direction of the BMA.

I would encourage all BMA members – no matter what experience you have – to consider attending ARM, either through division elections, or the conference for your branch of practice. Without motivated members attending, offering alternative points of view, challenging the norms, and engaging with the democratic process, the BMA could not continue proactively campaigning for medical students and doctors alike.

Henry Budden is medical students committee deputy chair