A Note to Future Clinicians

Introduction

I often reflect on the journey that brought me here — a journey shaped by culture, purpose, and an unwavering belief in equitable care. Born in the UK to an Indian doctor and a Welsh midwife, I spent much of my early childhood in rural India, where my parents built a hospital from the ground up. In a community with no healthcare infrastructure, their commitment to service, resilience, and high clinical standards shaped the very core of my values. They taught me that compassionate and equitable care should not be a privilege — it should be a right.

After completing my medical training in India, I returned to the UK, never imagining that three decades later I would be the first woman of colour — and only the third woman overall — to serve as President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG). I am deeply honoured to hold this position and proud to be a part of the progress we are making in advancing women’s health across the globe.

Throughout my career as a Consultant Obstetrician and Urogynaecologist at Croydon University Hospital, and as an Honorary Senior Lecturer at St George’s University of London, I have worked to improve clinical standards, promote equity, and elevate the voices of women from all backgrounds.

I’m particularly proud to have recently been appointed as Honorary Professor of Women’s Health at the University of Liverpool. I am truly passionate about championing women’s health, and this is another fantastic opportunity to collaborate with incredible people and organisations dedicated to making a difference to the lives of women and girls around the world.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my role as RCOG President is engaging with our members right across our global community. This includes engaging with colleagues in our international accreditation partnerships, like Max Healthcare Institute. Together, we’re delivering an RCOG-accredited training programme that brings UK-standard obstetrics and gynaecology education to clinicians across five hospitals in Delhi. With Membership of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (MRCOG) examinations, e-portfolio access, and expertled teaching, this programme allows trainees to develop core competencies and clinical skills that benefit their career progression in obstetrics and gynaecology. I look forward to seeing this partnership develop further and am confident that the trainees joining the programme this summer will make significant strides in advancing their careers and contributing to the field. I wish them all the best on this exciting journey ahead and look forward to seeing their continued growth and success.

To students and early-career clinicians considering a future in obstetrics and gynaecology — this is a field of deep purpose. It demands skill, compassion, and resilience — but it also offers the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives. Let your lived experiences inform your practice. Stay curious, stay grounded, and never lose sight of why you chose this path.

Together, we can shape a future where every woman — regardless of her background or identity —receives the care and dignity she deserves.