Fulham GP and expert on burnout and women's health, Dr Nirja Joshi, has been named one of the Top Five Women Trailblazers in the World.
She received $20,000 (£15,500) from the Häagen-Dazs Rose Project, which honours women for creating remarkable change worldwide.
"I'm honoured to receive this recognition for work that I'm deeply passionate about," said Dr Nirja, who delivered mental health support to thousands of NHS staff during the Covid pandemic.
At just 34, Dr Nirja teaches weekly dance classes alongside her work as a GP and co-founder of The WorkWell Doctors.
To celebrate, she'll host a free 'Women CAN Dance' class on Friday 28 March at the Earl's Court Community Hub. The event forms part of H&F's Women's History Month celebrations, which feature more than 50 events across theatre, music, art and community events.
I'd especially like to invite all the women who have run events this month to my dance class. It will give us all an opportunity to come together and recognise what's been achieved and will be achieved by the incredible women of Hammersmith & Fulham."
Medicine and movement
As a doctor and dancer, Dr Nirja has seen firsthand how movement creates joy and connection. "It wasn't easy combining my passions," she said, "I faced obstacles and imposter syndrome like many women."
Dr Nirja teaches weekly Dance Fitness classes on Wednesday evenings at First Steps in Lillie Road, Fulham.
The TedX NHS speaker and Royal College of GPs award winner is also creating an online course to extend her wellbeing work while increasing her keynote speaking engagements. Watch her TedX talk on YouTube:
Dr Nirja's work adds to the borough's rich history of influential women who have shaped the way we live our lives in H&F and beyond.
Supporting local schools
The former Godolphin & Latymer pupil plans to invest part of her prize money back into H&F schools.
"Most of all, I want to create free opportunities for women and girls especially from diverse backgrounds, to move, feel joy and connect," she added. "So, I'm delighted to be going into schools to share my own experiences as someone who has combined my love of movement and medicine."
Follow Dr Nirja's journey on Instagram and LinkedIn, or continue reading about her plans by subscribing to her Doctor, but also Substack.
