My Story – Prabha Vijayakumar (South Asian Heritage Month 2024)

My story begins in South India as my family moved across the state lines. My parents, navigating their careers, relocated from Kerala to Pondicherry. This journey ultimately led us to Chennai, a bustling city that became my cherished childhood home. Inspired by my strong, World War II military nurse grandmother, I dreamt of a career in neurosurgery. However, life had a different, yet equally fulfilling path in store. The fiercely competitive medical school admissions presented an alternative – Occupational Therapy (OT).

Fuelled by a lifelong desire to help others, this decision opened a world of possibilities. After graduating, I further honed my skills with a post-graduate diploma in hospital management, gaining valuable clinical experience through work in various Chennai hospitals. The cherry on top was returning to my alma mater, the OT college, to teach the next generation, that gave me immense satisfaction.

Then, in my early twenties, a yearning for independence and adventure led me to the UK on a work visa. Naive and carefree, I envisioned a fun-filled few years exploring Europe before returning home. Life, however, had a different script in store. The UK, with its vibrant tapestry of cultures, slowly began to feel like home. Here, I met my husband, built a beautiful family with our daughter, and discovered my true calling.

The strong work ethic instilled by my father, my mother's unwavering resilience, and the values deeply rooted in Hinduism became the cornerstones of my identity. My South Asian heritage, a source of immense pride, continues to weave its magic into everything I do, both professionally and personally.

While my initial interest was in adult neurology, a rotation in the care of the elderly sparked a lifelong passion. Frailty, falls, manual handling, and community services became my clinical area of expertise. Climbing the career ladder, I found myself leading OT operations, a role that fostered my passion for broader service management within the NHS.

Years of experience equipped me with the skills to navigate various challenges, from operational and turnaround management to leading transformation initiatives. I've had the privilege of working at board level, in both provider and commissioner roles across diverse NHS settings.

The pandemic presented a unique opportunity. Returning to clinical practice, I provided crucial rehabilitation services to patients recovering at home after hospital discharge. Simultaneously, I played a pivotal role in the regional Covid vaccination program, overseeing the workforce and ensuring vaccine equality. Leading a team on this regional level solidified the impact I could have beyond the clinical setting.

This experience paved the way for me to become the first national Chief Allied Health Profession (AHP) Information Officer from a global majority background in NHS England. In this role, I'm committed to championing the contributions of AHPs in clinical informatics programs across the NHS. It's an exciting opportunity to drive the national digital strategy for AHPs, fostering collaboration and alignment across various healthcare systems.

My journey, spanning over two decades in the UK, hasn't been without its challenges. Adjusting to a new culture, food, and encountering racism and microaggressions were hurdles I had to overcome. However, the incredible network of colleagues, managers, and service users who supported me throughout my career journey are the ones I cherish the most.

My message to AHPs from a global majority background is one of encouragement: If I can do it, so can you. Hold onto your values, keep the patient at the center of everything you do, embrace continuous learning, and never hesitate to support your colleagues and the services you provide.

My vision is for AHPs to have a shared platform alongside medics and nurses, actively contributing to the ever-evolving field of clinical informatics. As I look ahead, the journey continues. I call upon all AHPs to join this movement, embracing the power of data, digital tools, and clinical informatics in shaping a better future for healthcare.