Dr Sonali – welcome to IMC!
What will you most miss about the UK?
Thank you! I am really excited to join the IMC team. Everyone’s been so welcoming in Singapore and I look forward to meeting new people and forming many new friendships. Having grown up in London and coming from a very close knit, large family I will miss them and my friends dearly. Having my husband and brother in Singapore undoubtedly makes things easier. I will also miss the beautiful English countryside, and the buzz of London on a summer’s day. However I also look forward to exploring the many wonders of Southeast Asia…
And what won’t you miss?
I certainly won’t miss the long wintry days in London, and so will enjoy the year round warm weather in Singapore
Why did you decide to train as a doctor?
I’ve wanted to be a doctor for as long as I can remember and so for me it wasn’t a matter of if, but when. It was probably from hearing stories from my mother about her work, having been in the medical profession herself.
You recently volunteered at a refugee camp in Greece. What did you learn from the experience?
Just before moving to Singapore I joined a non-profit humanitarian organization that provided medical care to victims of the European refugee crisis.
Nearly 60,000 people, mainly from Syria had become trapped in northern Greece and placed in military camps. These people were fleeing war-torn regions and many had lost everything including family. Many had comfortable lives back home with good careers and bright futures until the conflict, and what they most wanted was to be able to go back home. The choice they faced between staying or fleeing was beyond comprehension considering the hugely dangerous journey to Greece.
What struck me the most was the resilience and inner strength of people and the unwavering will to protect their family in the face of tremendous adversity. Secondly, the generosity of friends and family who donated so readily to this cause was a reminder of people’s compassion and empathy for others.
And personally, it provided a new perspective of the challenges I thought I had in my life, having seen the struggle and spirit of these individuals.
How would you describe your style as a doctor?
I like to spend time with my patients whilst addressing their concerns and expectations. My training has instilled in me an evidence-based approach to my practice, which I tailor to each individual patient’s needs. I also practice a holistic approach to medicine, which translates to directing treatment beyond the immediate condition, considering the impact on one’s lifestyle, career and psychological wellbeing.
What book are you reading?
Between relocating and starting a new role, finding time to read has been tricky to say the least! A recent visit to Tibet had piqued my interest in the Dalai Lamas’ philosophies on life and compassion towards others. I am now getting through a book ‘Questions for the Dalai Lama’.
Morning lark or night owl?
A Morning lark!
What 3 things do you want to do before you die?
Off the top of my head…..
- Get a private pilot license
- Trek to Everest base camp
- See tigers in the wild
If money and time were no issue, what hobby would you pursue?
I would love to combine field medicine with travel and set up healthcare facilities to work with underprivileged children, particularly in central Africa and parts of Asia. I would also love to work in sport as a Formula 1 doctor!
If you could have a Superpower what would it be?
Time travel will be nice…
What is your favourite aspect about being a doctor?
Looking back over the last 10 years of my career in medicine, the sheer diversity of patients and their medical conditions I come across make this role interesting and extremely rewarding. As a General Practitioner, forming a relationship not just with individual patients but the whole family, often across generations, seeing families develop and kids grow up is very special. Its an honour and privilege to have patients put their trust in you during challenging times and to be able to even make a small difference in their lives is extremely gratifying.
Dr Sonali trained in the UK and is based at IMC Camden. Dr Sonali is an experienced family doctor with over 10 years experience.
If you would like an appointment please call: 6733 4440
