To mark South Asian Heritage Month, The New Podiatrist invited Hasina Aziz to reflect on identity, belonging and her journey into podiatry. 

Qualifying in South Africa, practising in the UK 

My journey as a podiatrist is rooted in my identity as an Indian, South African–born clinician now practising in the UK.

When I first arrived, my South African qualification was repeatedly questioned. I received 17 NHS job rejections. Some of those felt rooted not in my abilities, but in bias.

I was asked whether English was my first language. And it often seemed that I was judged for who I am. Too often I was made to feel like I had to justify my place in a profession I had already worked so hard to get into.

There have been many professional barriers. My path has not been straightforward. It has also been matched by personal challenges, including racial prejudice and even physical aggression, while navigating a system where opportunities and the chance to progress often feel limited for people like me.

Yet, these experiences have not diminished my resolve – they have strengthened it.

The podiatrist I have become 

The person I am today, and the podiatrist I have become, are inseparable from the journey that brought me here. Living between cultures and adapting to unfamiliar environments has shown me what it feels like to be different, to face uncertainty and navigate systems that are not always easy to understand. These experiences have shaped not only how I practise but also how I see every patient and colleague I meet.

They have taught me never to make assumptions. Instead, I listen and try to understand each person's story, culture, beliefs, circumstances and what health means to them. I recognise that culture, language, family expectations and previous experiences with healthcare all influence how people understand illness, make decisions and engage with treatment.

To me, podiatry is about far more than treating a foot or lower limb condition. It is about helping people maintain their independence and preserve their dignity and quality of life through person-centred care. My own experiences have enabled me to approach every consultation with empathy, patience and curiosity, with trust built through listening, empathy, respect and genuine human connection.

My heritage and life experiences have given me resilience, compassion and cultural insight that shape every interaction I have as a podiatrist. They remind me that every patient deserves to be heard, valued and understood, regardless of their background or circumstances. This continues to guide the clinician I strive to be every day.

The beauty of diversity 

As a South African of Indian ethnic origin, the phrase “unity in diversity” is more than a national slogan – I have lived it, witnessed it and carried it with me throughout my life. It reflects the beauty and complexity of belonging to multiple histories, cultures and identities all at once.

My ancestors came to South Africa generations ago. They carried traditions, languages, faith and resilience with them, along with dreams for a better future. Over time, those roots became intertwined with the rich and diverse fabric of South African society.

Today, I am proudly Indian in heritage and proudly South African in spirit.

Growing up in South Africa meant that diversity was all around us – in our languages, our food, our music, our places of worship and our stories.

But it also meant understanding the painful history that once divided people by race, culture and background.

Because of this history, unity is not something we can take for granted. It is something we must actively choose and advocate for.

Identity is expansive  

There are moments when you are asked to explain where you are “really from”. That can make identity sometimes feel layered and complex. People assume identity must fit neatly into one category. Yet my experience has taught me that identity is not limited, it is expansive.

Unity based on justice, inclusion and empathy 

Unity in diversity also means acknowledging shared struggles and collective progress. South Africa’s journey reminds us that true unity is built not on sameness, but on justice, inclusion and empathy. It is built when communities stand together despite different histories and experiences.

We do not need to be identical to belong 

In a world that can often feel divided, unity in diversity remains a powerful reminder that we do not need to be identical to belong together. Our differences tell stories. And when those stories are shared with openness and pride, they become the foundation of understanding, compassion, and community.

I do not have to choose between being Indian, South African or being British. I am all those things. Fully and unapologetically.

Why representation matters 

By sharing my journey, I hope that it has helped to highlight the realities faced by many internationally trained clinicians. It’s important to me that I use my voice to challenge inequities within healthcare. If there is one takeaway, I want people to understand it’s this: take pride in your roots. Continue to challenge expectations. Your impact is valid and important.

This story is not simply about struggle. It is about perseverance. About resilience. About taking pride in where you come from and recognising the value of representation. My heritage, my upbringing and my experiences have shaped not only the person I am, but the podiatrist I have become. They are the foundation of my professional identity and continue to guide the clinician I strive to be every day.

These values are not simply part of my personal story – they are the foundation of my professional identity and continue to guide the clinician I strive to be every day.

About the author 

Hasina Aziz is a Clinical Lead Podiatrist East Staffordshire (Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust) and Clinical Placement Expansion Lead Podiatry (MPFT). 

She is Vice-Chair of the British Indian Allied Health Professions Association (BIAHPA) 

Links and references 

Learn more about the British Indian Allied Health Professions Association.