At Sandwell and West Birmingham (SWB) NHS Trust, Dr Huma Naqvi stands out for her dedication and compassion – not only caring for elderly patients but also her colleagues.
The consultant geriatrician triples up in her day job as a medic wellbeing lead and a postgraduate tutor, and is always ready to offer her support and expertise to those around her.
Huma shared: “I have three roles within the Trust. As a consultant, I care for older adults with muscle and bone issues, working with surgeons and anesthetists to ensure that they receive the highest quality of care. Being a clinician and making a meaningful difference in patients’ lives is very important to me.
“As a tutor, I oversee the education needs of postgraduate trainees at the Trust, working alongside another colleague. And in my wellbeing role, I collaborate with occupational health and other wellbeing leads to address the needs of senior medics.”
Reflecting on her career journey, Huma explained: “I was inspired to pursue geriatric medicine by phenomenal colleagues at Sandwell Hospital, during my junior trainee years. My decision was solidified through additional work in geriatric medicine as a non-training doctor.
“The education role emerged naturally while working with like-minded colleagues. I initially became the foundation training programme director at the Trust, which progressed into my current role.”
She added: “During COVID, wellbeing became a major focus, and I felt it was crucial to highlight the needs of both junior doctors and senior medics. I believe I am approachable, and this has been reinforced by the roles I have taken. Being able to help colleagues in need, through the means of conversation and offering support means a lot to me.”
Huma’s dedication has been rightfully recognised within the Trust. She added: “Winning Employee of the Year at the annual staff recognition awards last year still feels so surreal! The Trust has been instrumental in my growth, from my days as a junior trainee to my current position as a consultant for the past 11 years. SWB have consistently supported me through new challenges.
“An exciting change ahead is working at the brand-new Midland Metropolitan University Hospital. I look forward to having all specialties together on one site, and being able to work with colleagues I don’t get to see as often. But most of all, I am looking forward to continuing to do my job to the best of my ability.”