Dr Shriti Pattani

My career in brief I have worked in our National Health Service in a clinical capacity for 34 years, the majority of which has been in senior leadership roles, general practice and occupational medicine. My current roles include Head of Service, for an Occupational Health and Wellbeing Service in a large acute hospital in London leading a multi-disciplinary team. I also have a strategic role as the National Clinical Expert in Occupational Health and Wellbeing for NHSE and am the past president of the Society of Occupational Medicine which is a multi-disciplinary membership organisation. My Global Clinical Advisor role supports the health systems connect programme with the Department of Health and Social Care. This has given me the privilege to support development of occupational safety and health in Africa, healthcare systems. I have been working with WHO as an independent Expert in Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing. I am passionate about education and training to develop the next generation of occupational health clinicians. My role with the Royal Society for Public Health as their course director for the Diploma Course in Occupational Health and Imperial College London as an Honorary Senior Lecturer allows me to support this vision. In recognition of my contribution to the profession I was awarded an OBE in the Kings New Year honours 2024.

What SAMF means to me As an occupational health physician dedicated to the wellbeing of doctors, SAMF represents more than a charitable organization—it’s a vital lifeline for the people I care for. In a profession where self-sacrifice is often the norm, SAMF quietly steps in during moments of vulnerability, providing not just financial relief, but dignity, compassion, and hope. Knowing that I can direct colleagues and their families to this kind of support deepens my sense of purpose and strengthens the network of care around our medical community. To me, SAMF is both a safety net and a quiet reassurance that even those who dedicate their lives to caring for others are never truly alone.

My hope for the future of SAMF My hope for the future of SAMF is to see it thrive as a well-known and trusted source of support within the medical community—where doctors not only become members, but feel proud to promote its work and guide their colleagues and families to the help they need during life’s toughest moments.