Meet Dr Neeta Patel

What inspired you to choose medicine as a career?

When I was young I wasn't too sure about what I wanted to do. But, gradually I realised that what I most enjoyed was meeting new people, listening to their life stories, and helping to make things better where I could. That, combined with my love of science, made me think that medicine could be a good fit. And it was!

Why did you choose Paediatrics as specialty?

I come from a large family of siblings and cousins and am the oldest. So much of my 'growing up' years involved looking after and entertaining the younger ones at all family events. Working with children was a natural next step. Children and young people have so much energy, enthusiasm for life and a wonderfully straightforward and honest view of the world. I love working with them, they are inspirational, and I feel a very strong responsibility to help make their lives as positive and healthy as possible. They are our future.

You specialise in allergies, how has the treatment and assessment of children with allergies changed during your time in medicine? 

The world of allergy has changed so much since I started running my first allergy clinic in 2008 as a new Consultant Paediatrician. There are more children with allergies now, but there has also been a huge amount of research to help us understand how we may be able to prevent allergies and how we may be able to treat children with established allergies. Until quite recently the main treatment for a child with food allergy was to avoid the food. Now, increasingly we are using newer techniques which hopefully will change the outlook for this generation of allergic children and future generations.

What is the most satisfying thing about your job?

Everyday is different, and every day is interesting. As well as seeing children with allergies, I am a Consultant General Paediatrician, so I see children with almost any condition in my clinic, which I really enjoy. I am privileged to have a role where I can meet and build relationships and trust with so many families, watch their children grow, and empower them to manage their conditions as they get older.

If you could change one thing about your job what would it be? 

Nothing

What do you wish you’d known before you started?

Thats a difficult question as I started as a doctor in 1992!
The junior doctor years were tough and being on call every 3rd or 4th night in those early years meant that we were all chronically tired. But as we were with each other in the hospital for so much of the time, sharing many challenging experiences, we formed fantastically strong friendships which pulled us through. And nothing has felt too difficult since.
Had I known this before I started it, I may have gone down a different path which would have been a shame as I dont think there can be many more jobs that are as fulfilling as being a doctor.