Fulham GP and expert on burnout and women’s health, Dr Nirja Joshi, has been named one of the Top Five Women Trailblazers in the World
Fulham-based GP and advocate for women’s health, Dr Nirja Joshi, has been named one of the world’s Top Five Women Trailblazers, earning a prestigious award from the Häagen-Dazs Rose Project. The accolade comes with a $20,000 (£15,500) grant, which Dr Nirja plans to use to host a free dance event for women in Hammersmith & Fulham.
Dr Nirja, who has dedicated her career to tackling burnout and promoting wellbeing, said: “I’m honoured to receive this recognition for work that I’m deeply passionate about.” She played a crucial role in supporting NHS staff during the Covid-19 pandemic, providing mental health support to thousands of frontline workers. Now, at just 34, she balances her work as a GP with her passion for dance, teaching weekly classes and co-founding The WorkWell Doctors, an initiative promoting workplace wellbeing.
Dr Nirja, who has dedicated her career to tackling burnout and promoting wellbeing, will use £15,000 win to host free dance event for H&F women
To mark the occasion, Dr Nirja will host a free ‘Women CAN Dance’ class on Friday, 28 March, at the Earl’s Court Community Hub. The event is part of Hammersmith & Fulham’s Women’s History Month celebrations, which include over 50 cultural and community activities. She extended a special invitation to all women who have contributed to the month-long celebration, saying, “It will give us all an opportunity to come together and recognise what has been achieved and what will be achieved by the incredible women of Hammersmith & Fulham.”
Blending Medicine and Movement
Dr Nirja’s unique approach combines her medical expertise with movement, a practice she believes is essential for mental and physical wellbeing. “It wasn’t easy combining my passions,” she admitted. “I faced obstacles and imposter syndrome like many women, but I have seen firsthand how movement creates joy and connection.”
She currently leads weekly Dance Fitness classes every Wednesday at First Steps in Lillie Road, Fulham, and is also working on an online course to expand her wellbeing initiatives. In addition to her TedX NHS talk and a Royal College of GPs award, Dr Nirja is increasing her keynote speaking engagements to further her advocacy for mental health and women’s wellbeing.
Giving Back to the Community
A former student of Godolphin & Latymer, Dr Nirja is determined to reinvest part of her prize money into local schools, ensuring young women from diverse backgrounds have opportunities to experience the benefits of movement and wellbeing. “Most of all, I want to create free opportunities for women and girls to move, feel joy, and connect,” she said. “I’m thrilled to be going into schools to share my experiences and inspire the next generation to pursue their passions, whatever they may be.”
Dr Nirja’s award adds to Hammersmith & Fulham’s legacy of influential women who have shaped both local and global communities. Her work continues to empower women, proving that medicine and movement can go hand in hand to foster health, happiness, and connection.
