Roots to Routes: A South Asian Woman’s Journey in the NHS

As a British-born Kashmiri working in the NHS, my journey has been one of both discovery and challenge, interwoven with layers of heritage, identity, and questioning whether my identity belongs here or not. For me, the concept of roots and routes speaks to the paths we travel in our professional and personal lives. The NHS, an institution where I’ve spent much of my career, has both uplifted me and made me confront uncomfortable truths about identity, race, and belonging. Some of this can explored further in my recently published book Minority Ethnic Voices in Healthcare Professions.

Uprooting and rerouting

My story starts long before my career in the NHS. Following the partition of India, my grandmother was uprooted from her home, carrying only the belongings she could carry in her hands, alongside her two younger siblings to seek a new life.

As a result of displacement, growing up means my father endured extreme poverty. When he arrived in Britain, working, earning and building a business was his priority to provide for his family. Whilst he did not have the opportunity to obtain further education himself, he was a strong advocate for it. This means all his children were proudly supported to seek higher education, all of us ending in with different roles in healthcare.

Racism in the NHS: facing the unseen struggles

I entered the NHS with a sense of purpose. I wanted to serve my community, to work alongside people who were overcoming illness. I was passionate as a physiotherapist to provide the best rehabilitation I could, because I could see what difference high quality care makes to people’s lives. But the reality of being a South Asian woman was often fraught with moments of discomfort and microaggressions.

Racism in the NHS, though sometimes subtle, is undeniable. I’ve had patients make assumptions about my skills based on my appearance, or questioning my appearance and why I wear the hijab. I’ve been overlooked in meetings and been the subject of stereotyping, where my competence was doubted because I didn’t ‘fit’ the team. 

These experiences have been challenging at times, highlighting a harsh truth: in a system that serves people from all backgrounds, the complexity of race and identity cannot be ignored.

At times it felt like my route - the path to progress in the NHS - was more difficult than it needed to be. As I learned what worked and what didn’t, I was determined to pass this knowledge on to others. This is why in my book I dedicate an entire chapter to furthering career development. I hope that through providing practical tips, it helps people to be better equipped to break through the glass ceilings.

Heritage and personal stories: the ties that bind

Despite the challenges, my heritage has always been a source of strength. In moments of struggle, I remember my father’s stories of resilience and endurance. He arrived in this country not knowing what to expect, building a life from scratch. His persistence, efforts and hard work continues to inspire me.

Identity, belonging and the connection between past and present

South Asian Heritage Month reminds me that our collective histories are not just stories from the past - they are the foundation of who we are today. Our identities are fluid, constantly evolving as we move through the world. But they are also anchored in the experiences, values, and struggles of those who came before us. These stories of migration, resilience, and adaptation are not just about the past - they are part of the route that we continue to travel, shaping our sense of self and our place in the world.

In the NHS, diversity is both a strength and a challenge. It is vital we continue to create spaces for conversations about identity, belonging, and race. Only by sharing our stories and acknowledging our lived experiences can we foster a truly inclusive environment.

Roots to routes. It’s a journey we all must take.

Connect with Heena Mahmood on LinkedIn.