Dr Gathoni story began in Eldoret, Kenya, known as the “City of Champions” as it is famous for producing some of the world’s greatest runners. Growing up in that environment meant ambition and success was all around her. In Powys, Wales, Gathoni found a close-knit, rural community, with a strong sense of identity that reminded her of home.
Gathoni says:
“I grew up and went to school in Kenya until my O levels, then came to the UK at sixteen on a sports bursary. I played tennis competitively while studying my A levels in Bath, and at that stage of my life medicine wasn’t even on my radar. My father is a lawyer, and I had always imagined myself following in his footsteps. I loved English and history but struggled with maths and science, so law seemed the natural fit.
“I went on to Coventry University to study law, but life had other plans. My parents separated, and I returned to Kenya before I had the opportunity to finish my degree. For the next several years, I worked in IT at a start-up that developed HR and finance systems. I found it a good experience, but it wasn’t my passion. Deep down, I wanted something more meaningful.
“My mother, who is a nurse - has always been a huge inspiration and encouraged me to think seriously about healthcare. At first, I considered nursing, but it didn’t quite feel like the right fit. What resonated with me was my own experience of living with type 1 diabetes. From a young age, I’d been immersed in managing my condition, reading about it, and discussing treatments with my doctors. My mother suggested, half-jokingly, that maybe I should become a doctor myself. The more I thought about it, the more it made sense.
“So, I went back to studying and retook my A levels in science subjects. I applied to several medical schools and eventually decided to study in China. The Kenyan government supports students to train there, and a neighbour’s daughter had spoken highly of the programme.
“I studied in Wenzhou, a city in Zhejiang Province, with the course lasting six years. Although lectures were in English, the patients spoke Mandarin, so I had to learn medical Chinese very quickly. It was daunting, but the university gave us ‘buddies’ - local students who helped us adapt and learn. In return, we helped them with English. Those friendships made the cultural adjustment easier, and I left China not only with a medical degree but also with lasting connections, and even a wife.
“China was transformative, but I knew I wanted to practice medicine in an English-speaking country. Kenya’s health system was in turmoil at the time, with junior doctors striking, so I looked to the UK.
“After I arrived here, my first post was in acute medicine in Mansfield, East Midlands. It gave me a solid grounding, but due to my background, I had always dreamed of sports medicine. I completed a master’s degree in Sports and Exercise Medicine and worked pitch-side with Cardiff Ladies Football Club and even supported the Welsh women’s national team. It was exciting, but mostly voluntary and financially unsustainable.
“Then a friend suggested I try psychiatry. I hadn’t considered it before, but from my very first shift I was hooked. I realised I loved the slower pace, the chance to build rapport, and the focus on long-term relationships. Old-age psychiatry in particular spoke to me. It allowed me to combine medical and psychiatric skills, especially in neuropsychiatry, where you deal with complex, overlapping conditions.
“I now work in Brecon and Bronllys, surrounded by stunning landscapes and supportive colleagues. Unlike the standard training pathway, I built my career as a Specialty Doctor (SAS), which offered flexibility and variety. Today, I represent SAS doctors for both the College of Neuropsychiatry and for Powys, while pursuing the portfolio route to become a consultant.
“Moving to Wales has been one of the best decisions of my life. The pace is slower, the people welcoming, and the sense of community is strong. Professionally, I appreciate the space to spend proper time with patients, rather than rushing through hundreds of people in a morning as I once saw in China. Personally, I have found that Wales offers everything I value: natural beauty, outdoor activities, and a great place to put down roots.
“Outside work, sport remains a big part of my life. I used to play tennis, but I’ve since turned to powerlifting and compete at national level. Training three to four times a week keeps me grounded and provides the same sense of community I find at work. My family shares that passion for sport too - my mother, brother, and wife are all active in their own ways.
“My journey certainly hasn’t been linear - from law in Coventry, to IT in Nairobi, to medicine in China, and now psychiatry in Wales. Each twist has shaped me, teaching resilience, adaptability, and openness to opportunity.
“What I’ve learned is that there’s no single ‘correct’ path into medicine or into life. The non-traditional route can be just as rewarding, sometimes more so, because it equips you with a unique perspective. My background helps me connect with patients, colleagues, and communities in ways I might not have otherwise.
“Looking ahead, I’m excited about developing further in psychiatry and eventually stepping into a consultant role. But more than titles or positions, what drives me is the ability to make a difference - to spend time with patients, to support families, and to contribute to a specialty I’ve grown to love.
“Wales feels like home now. It’s where I’ve built not only my career, but a life that balances work, family, and passion. From Eldoret to Brecon, my journey has been shaped by resilience, curiosity, and the courage to take chances. If there’s one lesson I’d share, it’s this: your path doesn’t need to be straightforward to be meaningful. Sometimes, the most rewarding journeys are the ones you never expected to take.”