For many medical professionals, the journey to consultancy is a straight line drawn through training, experience and hospital wards. For Dr Ash, an Obstetrics and Gynaecology trainee in Wales, that line is a vibrant, rhythmic dance that spans continents - ranging from the small town of Meerut in India, to the bustling wards of the Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil.
Dr Aishvarya says:
“As a child, I was fascinated by the small nurseries my father ran. I used to peer through the windows at the neonates in their incubators, but as I grew up, it became a conscious choice as I fell in love with human physiology and biology.
“I completed my undergraduate degree in Maharashtra and my postgraduate training in obstetrics and gynaecology in Pondicherry but felt a strong pull towards the UK. In India, we sincerely followed the Royal College guidelines, and I was fascinated by the NHS; a system where medical decisions are based purely on clinical need rather than corporate influence. I wanted to experience this level of care first hand.
“When the opportunity arose to move to Wales through the Medical Training Initiative (MTI), I admit I had to reach for Google Maps to find out more about Wales. Like many international graduates, I knew England and Scotland, but Wales was a bit of a mystery. I Googled "What is Cardiff?" and looked at pictures of the coastline. I decided to take the leap into the unknown and just go for it.
“I arrived in the UK in December 2020, at the height of the Covid lockdown. Facing a mandatory 14-day quarantine in a new country where I knew no one, I braced myself for isolation. Instead, I found a family. I booked an Airbnb hosted by a Welsh couple in Cardiff. From the moment I landed at Heathrow, they were in contact with me to understand my needs and treated me like their own son. Once I was out of the quarantine, they took me on a car ride to show me around and even introduced me to their parents. I didn't even have time to be homesick. The love I received from the wonderful Welsh people made me realize: if this is what Wales is, this is where I want to be in my life.
“Professionally, my transition was equally positive. Starting at Prince Charles Hospital, I found a mentor in Mr. George Haroun, who helped me navigate the nuances of the NHS. Despite extensive clinical training experience in India, I made the bold decision to re-enter the training pathway in the UK. I wanted to further enhance my skills and knowledge, and become a well-rounded consultant. I got my inspiration by working with various consultants who were experts and pioneers in their fields of interest. The decision paid off as when I applied for the ST3 level training in obstetrics and gynaecology, and ranked 5th in the entire UK. I could have chosen training anywhere - London, Manchester; but my mind was set. I chose Wales because it felt like home.
“Despite my commitment to medicine, there was always another rhythm competing for my attention. While my peers during the graduation focused solely on grades, I was navigating a dual passion. In senior secondary school, I wanted to pursue a career in either choreography or medicine. I’ve always felt dance to be a part of whom I am. I spent my youth mastering Indian folk dances and Bollywood dance styles, but it was a fascination with the Latin American dance styles that truly tested my dedication. I used to travel long distances every week to attend salsa dance classes. Looking back, that was a real commitment.
“Today, I live in Cardiff Bay, enjoying a lifestyle that bridges my love for nature and my passion for the arts. Where else can you go for a hike in Pen y Fan on a Saturday morning and be at a salsa social by the evening? The work-life balance here is incomparable to the "cut-throat" competition of larger metropolitan hubs. My social circle is a vibrant tapestry of Welsh locals and international friends. We celebrate Christmas and Diwali together, with my friends donning Indian outfits and dancing to Bollywood hits. I even have a "Welsh Mum" - the mother of a close friend who has stepped in to provide that essential family support. The work/life balance in Wales is what makes it special, as I don’t think life should be just about work.
“My commitment to Wales reached a new milestone when I undertook the Welsh Clinical Leadership Fellowship. This "milestone year" shifted my perspective from purely clinical work to the broader mechanics of healthcare management. Working alongside professional from different fields, including dentists, pharmacists and physiotherapists widened my thought process and strengthened my leadership skills. It changed me as a professional and I now see so much scope to give back to the system that supported me.
“Now firmly growing roots in Wales, I am on the path to becoming a consultant and feel proud to call Wales home. My advice to other international medics is simple: Wales will give you back everything you put in, and even more. If you have the desire and the will, you will get the support you need to excel and a real sense of belonging. I don’t feel like an outsider anymore. I feel I am part of the Welsh community and I’m committed to giving back to NHS Wales and the people of Wales through my very best efforts."