Dr Mala Dalal is a general practitioner in North West London. She was born into a Jain family in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, and moved to the UK after getting married to her husband, Gautam Dalal, in 1987. Her parents were both eminent gynaecologists and medical professors, inspiring an early appreciation of medicine. She studied medicine at VS Medical College in Ahmedabad and has since worked as a GP in the UK for nearly 30 years, including teaching and examining medical students at Imperial College London. Recently, she has become interested in lifestyle medicine, after learning about the power of plant-based nutrition. In addition to the health benefits, she is motivated by her Jain principles, which emphasizes non-violence to all sentient beings. She has two daughters, one of whom is a lawyer and the other a tech consultant, both of whom are vegan.
1. Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in?
Culturally and spiritually, probably India. But home is where my family is, which has been London for the past 30 years. Besides, I do love London as a city - most cosmopolitan diverse green and culturally vibrant city in the work in my opinion. It is indeed regarded as crossroads of the world. It has offered me the opportunities to experience wide range of cultural experiences whether it is theatres, art, music concerts or museums. If you are tired of London, you are tired of life. Important thing is opportunities out there it is up to you to take advantage of this incredible place which is ready to touch your heart and open your mind.
2. What are your proudest achievements?
My proudest moments are when I manage to diagnose complicated patient cases with atypical presentation, which I sometimes put down to a gut feeling or sixth clinical sense. I also get great satisfaction from teaching junior doctors and was humbled to receive the best GP tutor award at Imperial College London in 2006. Most recently, I am proud of how we responded to the pandemic, introducing virtual consultations, Covid Hubs and remote monitoring, to manage the majority of patients in the community for as long as possible and minimise the strain on hospitals.
3. What inspires you?
Seeing people who are passionate, energetic and positive about their ambitions. My parents have always been an inspiration, never ceasing to stop learning and striving for their dreams, while remaining practical and positive about every situation in order to allow for the best outcome possible.
4. What has been the biggest obstacle in your career?
Juggling the demands of my career alongside my husband’s, which included having to relocate between India and the UK several times, while also nurturing a young family and caring for elderly parents.
5. Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
My parents, both of whom were preeminent gynaecologists and medical professors in Ahmedabad. My mother taught me the meaning of patient care, discipline and dedication. My father fed my curiosity for the world.
6. What is the best aspect about your current role?
I love to fix problems when practicing clinical work as they can be like solving puzzles. I get an adrenaline rush and feel immense satisfaction when I find solutions for my patients to help them feel better and motivate them to make often small changes to live a healthier lifestyle.
7. And the worst?
Dealing with “worried well” or anxious patients. Although it can be very time-consuming and at times, mentally taxing to help these types of patients, seeing the change in mental and physical health through showing the benefits of a holistic approach to health, is very rewarding.
8. What are your long term goals?
Promoting lifestyle medicine, showing a holistic approach to medicine and increasing awareness that people are in control of their own health. The COVID pandemic has filled many with health anxieties. However, in order to boost immunity and prevent the vast majority of chronic diseases, one should consider and adopt healthy habits in the form of good nutrition, predominantly whole foods plant based diet, practising regular habits such as daily exercise, and positive thinking.
9. If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
End government subsidies for the meat and dairy industries in the UK, for environmental, public health and ethical reasons.
10. If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?
Mahatma Gandhi, who spearheaded the campaign for Indian independence from Britain based on non-violent civil disobedience and non-cooperation. I have the utmost respect for his life, teachings and principles and it would be an honour to simply be in his presence.
