Dhruv Jogia, 28, is a specialist podiatrist. He completed his Bachelor of Science honours degree in podiatric medicine in London and has since held posts. During his degree he secured a junior role at Guys and Thomas’s Trust in London where he was quick to be recognised for his skills of managing patients well and given the opportunity to be an Assistant in the surgical team. After qualifying he continued to work within the NHS and evolved into a Musculoskeletal (MSK) Specialist Podiatrist within a multidisciplinary team. As part of this, Dhruv has taught undergraduate students.
His clinical interests are in MSK otherwise known as Biomechanics and Diabetes. Dhruv often gives talks in the local community about foot health and diabetes. He has embarked on his journey into private practice and offers his services covering London and East Midlands areas. His services include routine foot care biomechanics nail surgery and treating diabetic patients. For a more detailed list of services please visit The-podiatrist.com and follow Podiagram on Instagram.
Outside of Podiatry, Dhruv is passionate about vegetarian cooking and a lover of the arts. As an Indian classically trained musician he performs and teaches the Tabla. He is a disciple of Pandit Sanju (Vishnu) Sahai the torchbearer of the Banares school of Tabla. He was recently invited to perform for the closing day of the Zee Jaipur Literature Festival 2018 at the British Library, London.
1 Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in?
Leicester and london. Home is where the heart is they say. If I had to choose one it would be the multicultural city of Leicester as I grew up there and my family live there too.
2 What are your proudest achievements?
Every happy patient is an achievement; every patient I reduce pain for is an achievement. Being a podiatrist is a great achievement in my life and a huge honour as it is a medium whereby I can give back to the society.
3 What inspires you?
The fact that I have the responsibilty of keep society on its feet inspires me. I draw huge amounts of inspiration from my parents from their hardships and experiences of life which have got them so far.
4 What has been biggest obstacle in your career?
Time. Its not an obstacle as such but is a huge factor. My father always says time is like gold dust. Sometimes you want more, other times you wonder why certain processes take so long. I make the most of what I have. I believe to be a great clinician you need two very important things; patients and patience. On a lighter note; not having X-Ray vision has been an obstacle!
5 Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
There is never one influence in a successful career; its the people you choose to be around you and your mentors. My parents are a huge influence not only on my career but my life, I wouldn’t be at this level if it wasn’t for them. My mentors and inspirations are my uncle Mr Rajesh Jogia - Consultant Podiatric Surgeon and in more recent times Dr Pradeep Manhoot - Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mumbai.
6 What is the best aspect about your current role?
The best aspect of my role is that its challenging. Every patient and pathology is a challange. Its from this you learn more and can give more. I'll never be bored I suppose!
7 And the worst? The amount of chocolate digestives I run on... Next question please!
8 What are your long term goals?
To continue working and supporting the NHS and raise awareness about the ill effects of diabetes and its risks particularly at the feet. I love to cook vegetarian food its my passion and the kitchen is my sanctury after a hard day. I can zone out and be in different world. Maybe write a book on diabetic vegetarian cooking one day. Who knows, follow Podiagram on instagram!
9 If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
I'd bring an end to knife and gun crime. At schools I'd bring changes to the curriculum which provide a better understanding of health including smoking, diabetes, obesity, and substance abuse. I'd also bring mindfulness, yoga, meditation and self defence practices into the curriculum.
10 If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why.
Gautam Buddha. He said "It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles. Then the victory is yours. It cannot be taken from you, not by angels or by demons, heaven or hell." We spend our lives in the rat race but it’s important to introspect. Just living in the presence of such figure will most probably change anyone’s life for the better, if you are receptive.
