Dr Luxmi Velauthar is a Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Barts NHS Trust. She qualified at University of Dundee and undertook speciality training in London. She is the lead for Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine Unit at Newham University Hospital. She gained her MD at the University of Queen Mary and has presented her research work both at national and international conferences. She has a particular interest in fetal medicine, pregnancy complications with extensive experience in pre-eclampsia and preterm pregnancies. In addition, she has clinical interest in all aspects of Gynaecology, including menstrual disorders, menopause and minimal access surgery.
She teaches and examines for undergraduates and post graduate medical degrees. She is the course director for obstetric ultrasound course (POST) and Practical Gynaecology Laparoscopic Training (PGLT) for obstetricians and Gynaecologists. In addition, she is currently leading charitable projects locally and internationally to improve women’s health through teaching and training both staffs and patients.
1. Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in?
London. It’s where cultural diversity blooms and everyone from all backgrounds feel welcome and appreciated. London gives anyone the opportunity to reach their full potential and I love its remarkable history. London is home to lots of interesting landmarks that bring the world together to admire its rich culture and heritage.
2. What are your proudest achievements?
My recent proudest achievement would be initiating our universal screening for Covid-19 for our pregnant women at Newham University Hospital, and that we were the very first hospital to have introduced universal screening in the UK. In addition, we have introduced partner testing to protect, not only the mother and baby, but also the maternity staff of which almost 70% are from the BAME background.
3. What inspires you?
My work colleagues at Newham Hospital, in particular, maternity staffs. Despite the major challenges during the COVID crisis, their selfless attitudes to ensure they provide the safe and effective care to the patients. I admire them for all their hard work. Also, my family, in particular my daughter, Sruthika, who gave me the strength to recover from COVID early in March, and coped many weeks when I had to be at work away from the family.
4. What has been biggest obstacle in your career?
Nothing in particular. I always believe that when there is a will there is way.
5. Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
My parents and my Husband who made me take the leap of faith with all my career decisions. They have been my Rock.
6. What is the best aspect about your current role?
I love my job because I like the autonomy and my bosses allow me to innovate to improve the services we provide for our women. We have introduced many digital technologies to improve patient safety and experience, especially during the pandemic.
7. And the worst?
There is none. Although, my passion for work has been a hindrance to my work-life balance.
8. What are your long-term goals?
To have innovation that improves healthcare for women in every corner of the world and it should be easily accessible and available.
9. If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
One thing I would change is that I will ensure that there is an excellent healthcare which is easily accessible to everyone. Healthcare is a human right, and unfortunately in current times we are facing crisis and resolving this could save many lives.
10. If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?
Nelson Mandela. And would be delighted to listen and understand how he inspired the world, and fought for social equality, and how he brought the nation together.
