I was born in Gujarat, North India, to working class parents. We migrated to the UK when I was two and I grew up in a predominantly Caucasian school with a culturally Indian background at home. Being migrants, my brother and I were always pushed to excel, which contributed to my progression into medical school. During my time as a university student, I also came out as gay. Juggling my cultural background, my profession, my sexuality, and personal growth was challenging to the say the least.

Fourteen years later, I can safely say I’m proud of who I am and who I’ve become. Having had insights into both Eastern and Western culture, as well the queer community, I’ve found myself better able to relate to the diverse range of patients and staff who I work with every day. Outside of medicine, I chair an organisation called GLADD (the Association of LGBTQIA+ Doctors and Dentists Australia), an organisation I founded in 2013 following my first Sydney Mardi Gras. From being bullied at school, GLADD has become one of my greatest achievements; helping other medical professionals shine in who they are.

I’m proud to serve and represent diversity and inclusion in our College and am excited about the future that each of our unique backgrounds can bring to the table.