Dr Dipesh Patel is a Consultant in Endocrinology and Diabetes at Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust since 2013. He qualified from St George’s medical school in London in 1998 and completed specialist training in North West London. He was awarded a PhD by Imperial College for his research in cholesterol transport, HDL-C in people with high blood glucose levels.
He enjoys delivering high quality clinical care in Endocrinology and Diabetes management. He is committed to patient safety. He is an executive committee member of the Association of British Clinical Diabetologists (ABCD) which promotes high quality training and care in the UK. Dr Patel contributes to post-graduate work at the Royal College of Physicians.
Dr Patel has an Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer role at UCL and is a principal investigator in clinical trials with an interest in cardiovascular disease prevention. He is lead teacher for undergraduate Endocrinology at the Royal Free. Please visit his website here; https://www.royalfreeprivatepatients.com/consultant/dr-dipesh-c-patel/
1 Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in?
Feel very much at home in England, specifically Wiltshire where I grew up and latterly London where I studied and lived. I enjoy the vast diversity and cosmopolitan feel. Most recently I have developed a curious sense of homeliness in Gujarat where my family originates and love its vibrant atmosphere.
2 What are your proudest achievements?
My contribution to improving care of patients and ability to make a difference is rewarding. My involvement in training and research through national organisations is also satisfying
3 What inspires you?
Patients have provided a constant source of inspiration throughout my career. Passionate colleagues have also helped along the way.
4 What has been biggest obstacle in your career?
I am lucky not to have had any major obstacles in my career. We all endure minor hurdles and bumps along our paths which generally lead to greater opportunities.
5 Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
I was originally inspired by Respiratory physician at the age of sixteen. Professor Desmond Johnston at St Mary's hospital persuaded me to consider applying for a post in Endocrinology and I haven't looked back since. I have been incredibly fortunate to have worked with many talented colleagues
6 What is the best aspect about your current role?
The ability to serve the public and have the opportunity to shape training and aspects of speciality work continues to motivate me.
7 And the worst?
The NHS is a limited resource and one finds this can cause significant strains across sectors of the health service. Sometimes these tensions impede innovation.
8 What are your long term goals?
Clinically a major focus is to help reduce suffering in individuals and communities with diabetes and endocrine conditions. Longer term one needs to identify and nurture the next generation of leading doctors and specialists.
9 If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
High quality Education and Healthcare for all is vital to both facilitate social mobility and reduce inequality. I think these areas are still in need of greater thought and application.
10 If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why.
It would have to be Nelson Mandela, a revolutionary leader. I would like to try to understand how he stayed politically committed in spite of all the injustices he endured.
