Dr Selvaseelan Selvarajah is a member of Tower Hamlets LMC and a GP Partner in Bromley by Bow Health at St Andrews Health Centre in East London.
As we mark South Asian Heritage Month (18 July – 17 August), I find myself reflecting not just on my personal journey, but on the collective narrative of South Asians in UK general practice. My name is Selvaseelan Selvarajah—most know me as ‘Selva’ and every day my heritage shapes my clinical work, commitment to diversity, and vision for a sustainable NHS.
Roots: early years and migration
I was born in the north of Sri Lanka, raised at times in both Jaffna and Colombo during the escalation of the civil war. My childhood was marked by adversity, but also by the resilience and solidarity of my close-knit community. Displaced during the traumatic events of ‘Black July’ in 1983, my family was among thousands whose lives were disrupted by violence and loss. We relied on the kindness of strangers and the unwavering hope of forging new beginnings. Arriving in East London as a teenager in the early 1990s, I was confronted by the unfamiliar: new language, culture, and expectations. Settling in a diverse community, I thrived in the melting pot that is London, quickly learning that our differences are not a burden but our greatest strength.
Professional life: serving and shaping community
Twelve years on as a GP Partner in Tower Hamlets, I have had the privilege of working alongside inspiring, innovative colleagues—many themselves from minority and migrant backgrounds. Our mission is clear: to create healthy, connected communities where every patient feels seen and valued.
My dual identity as British and Tamil informs my clinical practice and leadership. It drives my focus on health inequalities, social determinants of health, and the mentorship of the next generation of GPs. Through roles in workforce training, medical education, and advocacy within the RCGP and BMA national councils, I strive to break down barriers to inclusion and progression.
Diversity and inclusion: our foundation
South Asian NHS professionals have played a pivotal role in shaping general practice and the NHS. Yet, the lived experience of many colleagues—still facing racism and exclusion—demands ongoing change. Representation matters. I see first-hand how mentoring International Medical Graduate (IMG) GP trainees and supporting staff from diverse backgrounds builds a more equitable workforce. Diverse teams are better for patient care, trust, and innovation. South Asian Heritage Month is not just a celebration; it is a call to action to ensure our profession truly reflects and supports the communities we serve.
Building a sustainable, open, and supportive future
The challenges facing general practice—workforce shortages, burnout, and rising patient needs—are real. We cannot meet them without embracing the values of inclusivity and sustainability.
That means: actively recruiting and supporting GPs from diverse backgrounds and creating career pathways and mentorship for new GPs, including IMGs. Retaining skilled staff by championing wellbeing, flexible roles, and leadership development. Ensuring our practice teams remain open, supportive environments—so GPs of all backgrounds can flourish.
Why our heritage matters
My journey—from a war zone in Sri Lanka to leading a practice in East London—mirrors that of many South Asian doctors. Our stories are not only about perseverance but about the future of the NHS: one where diversity is a source of strength, and every patient and practitioner can belong and succeed. As we honour South Asian Heritage Month, let’s pledge to continue opening doors, challenging inequality, and building a general practice that is as resilient and rich as the communities we serve.