From community to clinic: the impact of South Asian values on my medical practice

I am of Pakistani heritage but was fortunate to grow up in a diverse South Asian community in the West Midlands. This experience highlighted many overlaps in our celebrations, traditions and cuisine which were noticeable when celebrating different events. These examples showcase the richness of our shared South Asian heritage but also demonstrate the importance of celebrating our differences and learning from one another.

Although the area of the West Midlands where I grew up was deprived, the sense of community, belonging and connection within our South Asian neighbourhood was incredibly strong. The local community united to support each other through life's challenges, financial difficulties and practical needs, regardless of individual backgrounds. This support system fostered a profound sense of belonging and emphasized the importance of communal bonds. Witnessing the power of these connections from a young age has shaped me into an empathetic clinician, instilling a deep understanding of the challenges faced by South Asian communities and the importance of solidarity in overcoming adversity.

Cultural expectations and traditional norms

South Asian expectations of gender roles still exist today to varying degrees, especially for women. My family has always encouraged breaking these barriers and challenging traditional roles. They placed great emphasis on education and independence, regardless of cultural expectations. Two perfect examples are my grandmother, who served as the Dean of a Women’s University, and her sister, who was a military doctor. These career paths were uncommon for South Asian women at the time, yet they were incredibly rewarding professions. Both pursued their careers alongside maintaining traditional homemaker roles and raising a family. Having such strong female role models who defied societal norms reinforced the importance of changing gender stereotypes in South Asian culture. It encouraged me to work hard and make the most of my educational opportunities. From attending a regular local primary school, I later attended a prestigious private school before pursuing a career in medicine.

South Asian heritage and values

My South Asian heritage has profoundly shaped both my identity and my medical career, influencing how I approach patient care. The values instilled in me through my heritage, such as resilience, community support and empathy, have deepened my understanding of the diverse cultural needs of patients. My experiences growing up in a rich, multicultural environment have cultivated my ability to address health inequalities and advocate for more inclusive care practices. Particularly, to provide compassionate and culturally appropriate care. Due to this I undertook the Trailblazer Fellowship in Health Inequalities to exact a change in access to healthcare. Ultimately, my South Asian heritage has been pivotal in shaping my professional path, allowing me to integrate a broader perspective into my medical practice to ensure that the care I provide is both respectful and responsive to the diverse backgrounds of my patients.

South Asian Heritage Month further reading 

• How Sri Lankan culture strengthened my work as a GP
• Celebrating South Asian Heritage: Free to be me