Art Exhibition 2025

The Royal National Institute for Deaf People estimates that over 18 million adults in the UK are deaf, or experience hearing loss or tinnitus, and approximately 151,000 people in the UK use British Sign Language (BSL) to communicate. Research suggests that there is approximately one BSL interpreter for every sixty deaf BSL users. There is a notable shortage of BSL interpreters in the UK, leading to misdiagnosis and delays in treatment amongst the deaf community. Integrating basic healthcare BSL into the medical school curriculum and providing opportunities for doctors to learn basic BSL is crucial for promoting inclusion in healthcare. This will help deaf patients to feel more confident about the care they receive, improve communication, build trust and reduce anxiety. Basic BSL skills amongst healthcare providers can help to fill gaps caused by interpreter shortages, especially in emergencies and initial consultations.

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I embarked on a journey to create an image that not only exposes discrimination within the healthcare sector but also celebrate the vibrant mosaic of diversity, reminding us all of our shared humanity in spite of our differences.

For the heart of this piece, I chose a woman, because women in healthcare often bear the brunt of discrimination. Studies estimate up to 80% of female healthcare workers have faced gender bias. This harsh reality is woven into the background, where snippets of news articles echo the struggles of these women.

At the core, a collage emerges. Four women, each representing different backgrounds, skin colours, ages, and appearances, seamlessly fit together like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle to form one unified figure. My hope is that this creation stirs a profound sense of togetherness in those who see it, a gentle reminder that despite our differences, we are united as one.

This poem reflects my personal journey of living in diverse parts of the world, shaping me into a healthcare professional deeply passionate about inclusivity and embracing diversity within medicine.

When I was small, I came to see,
Different shades painted all over me.
I asked my mum, "Why am I brown,
With fifty shades from toe to crown?"

She smiled and said, "You're a story told,
Of lands afar and hands of gold.
Clay shaped by the Potter’s care,
In His image, beyond compare."

From country to country, I roamed so far,
Wondering always, “Who we are?”
She’d say, "From everywhere, you call it home,
Wherever you are, you’re not alone."

Some places welcomed, some left me bare,
Belonging here, but not always there.
Yet one truth followed me every mile,
Pain and need know no exile.

Sickness and hunger, no one immune,
Beneath the colours, we all attune.
One thing binds us, no matter our glove,
The human heart still beats for love.

The wrapping may differ, bold or plain,
But parts and blood inside remain the same.
Inside each body, a gift does reside,
Intricately crafted, a world to confide.

As healthcare hands, we are blessed to see,
The beauty within humanity.
What a privilege, what an art,
To touch the soul, to heal the heart.

The sculpture reflects themes of individuality, each strand being unique in texture and shape, recognising our inherent diversity. The strands are separate, and yet come together indicating trust and a willingness to unite in the creation of something greater, something stronger than it would otherwise have been. The strands develop and support each other, with the bronze rivets of healthcare knowledge and learning contributing to the woven whole, an integral part of the structure. The organic shape is reflective of the constant change in our healthcare systems or organism, with the woven strands providing security and care for individuals and wider society.

"One Size Doesn’t Fit All" explores the theme of inclusion in healthcare by highlighting the individuality of Black women, particularly in the context of maternal health, where Black women are 3.7 times more likely to die during or in the first year after pregnancy than White women.

Through fashion, my project challenges the harmful assumption that Black women experience healthcare the same way, putting them in a box and treating them as a monolith. It addresses and exposes how systemic biases fail to meet the unique needs and acknowledge the individuality of Black women. Each model embodies a different character – some of which people fail to acknowledge as existing in tandem with Black African and Caribbean identity – symbolising the diversity within Black womanhood and rejecting the stereotype that they are a monolith. Physicians, using stethoscopes positioned at medically incorrect areas of the body, further emphasises the detached and impersonal approach often seen in healthcare.

This piece draws inspiration from the Bauhaus art movement, celebrated for its emphasis on universality, repetition, and geometric nature. The checkerboard design of skin tones and fingerprints emphasise the unique identity of every patient and highlights the shared human need for care.

It is important to realise that each fingerprint symbolises a story, a voice, and a life. When a healthcare professional recognises this, it leaves a mark on the patient - a mark that they have been seen and heard.

The interplay of textures and tones reflects the rich complexity of inclusivity, reminding us that true healthcare must embrace the full spectrum of humanity. By weaving together symbols of identity and care, I hope to spark a conversation about how we can create a healthcare system where everyone feels seen, heard, and cared for.

Language barriers are a complex yet prevalent challenge within healthcare settings, with 5.1 million UK residents speaking a language other than English as their main language. Inspired by Dan Jurgens and Kevin Nowlan’s graphic novel ‘Superman vs Aliens’, this piece encourages you to consider the importance of interpreter services like Language Line in achieving inclusion in healthcare. The image depicts a diverse population of patients, through variation of colour, clamouring for the doctor to use Language Line during consultations so that they, like the slogan in the picture states, will not be left behind. The doctor, in place of the traditional Superman, acknowledges that patients often view clinicians as heroes. However, the contrast between the bright colours of the patients’ outlines and the dull nature of the doctor demonstrates that our patients should always be at the forefront of our care.

To me, inclusion is not just an abstract ideal; it is a lived commitment to creating spaces where everyone feels valued and empowered. This belief has helped shape my journey in healthcare so far, particularly tied to a pivotal moment of my decision to wear the hijab.

Veiling Myself, Unveiling Inclusion
Initially, I was filled with trepidation. With rising Islamophobia and being from a city with limited diversity, the idea of entering professional spaces while wearing such a visible symbol of my faith felt daunting. Yet, wearing the hijab ultimately became a lens through which I came to understand what true inclusion in healthcare looks like.

I walked into the Orthopaedics seminar with my heart racing. It was my first day donning the hijab; the courage I had felt the night before had quickly dissolved into dread. My peers had never seen me like this before. It’s human nature – no matter how many OSCE scenarios you’ve practiced, dealing with unfamiliarity often leaves people fumbling, and that awkwardness has a way of showing itself. And here I was, facing the world with a visible stigma, so you can imagine why I was tense. But, to my surprise, instead of awkward stares or hesitant conversations, I was met with warmth and encouragement from my colleagues. Many of whom were non-Muslim. Relief immediately replaced the weight of what I had feared most – judgement. Their kindness was a powerful reminder that inclusion begins with small, meaningful gestures that make individuals feel seen and valued.

Inclusion in healthcare goes far beyond personal validation. It means to cultivate an environment where everyone, regardless of their background, feels respected and supported. Achieving this is no small feat – it requires visible diversity, policies that accommodate cultural and religious practices, and culturally competent care that understands the unique needs of both patients and providers.

Through my experiences, I have learnt how vital recognition and representation are in healthcare. I recall the sense of pride I felt while working alongside a fellow hijabi Operating Department Practitioner in theatre, where I witnessed a birth for the first time. Seeing her confidently navigate her role with the most cheerful disposition reminded me that representation matters – it normalises diversity and inspires belonging. Another critical encounter was with a Consultant Obstetrician. It was a long shift, time for prayer was running out, and there were no prayer facilities nearby. Going out of her way, she kindly guided me to her private prayer space. This small gesture felt invaluable, highlighting the importance of leaders who understand and accommodate shared experiences.

These moments not only bolstered my confidence but also opened doors to meaningful conversations. Sharing my journey – Yes, it was my choice – and engaging in conversations with colleagues, I’ve begun to challenge misconceptions, while encouraging understanding. These steps have shown me that advocacy begins with dialogue, where rather than merely tolerating differences, we should celebrate them.

I hope my experience helps illuminate the broader challenge of championing inclusion in healthcare, encouraging you to nurture a culture where diversity is truly embraced.

This piece illustrates the essence of inclusion in healthcare through its central motif: a pair of nurturing hands cradling the Earth. The hands symbolise care, unity, and the shared responsibility of healthcare professionals worldwide. They reflect a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where individuals uplift and empower one another, regardless of background or ability.

Beneath the vibrant hospital environment are healthcare workers from diverse ethnicities, genders, and abilities. Positioned as the “foundation” of the healthcare system, they highlight the importance of a workforce that mirrors the populations they serve.

Surrounding the Earth are universal symbols of medicine and science, emphasizing that inclusion is essential to innovation and progress in healthcare. Inclusive healthcare also means making reasonable adjustments for peers and patients, ensuring everyone can contribute and receive care equitably. This artwork celebrates representation and collaboration, showing how a diverse healthcare system fosters trust and compassionate care for all.

Inclusion in healthcare to me is like inviting someone to a dinner, the invitation alone is meaningless if they can’t get there or if the setting isn’t accessible to them, so inclusion is creating accessible, actionable strategies that empower individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to overcome barriers and succeed.

My seat

“It’s invite only.”
And I’m the first of my family to be invited.
It won’t be easy to get there but I want
to be at that table in that room,
on a seat at that table.

But want isn’t enough,
The eligibility of routes meant
I was able to step into that room,
See that table in that room,
see the seats at that table.

People started taking their seats.
Fear said, “Maybe we should leave”.
Yet as soon as I faced the exit,
I turned back to locate the person by the table in the room
reading my name at a seat by the table.

As I approached, I noticed the mix-n-match seating design.
“My family told me not to go, the chairs will be terrible for my hind.
But this chair is one of a kind! The previous generations knew a different type of room.”
I overhear at the table in this new type of room
from someone relieved by their seat at the table.

Time flies, and suddenly I realise in this room, I resemble only my mirror reflection.
My journey wasn’t easy but maybe others didn’t get to dream.
Maybe dreams were shattered by obstacles.
They got the invite but had to forget the table in the room,
and confront reality: “There’s not a route for me to get to a seat at the table.”

Time flies, and everyone must share a toast.
As I stand, I see my full reflection in the mirror on the other side of this room.
I’m standing in front of this table in this room,
I’m out of my seat in front of this table.
“Cheers to more routes for doctors who look like you!”

This piece, "Heartbeat", explores the theme of inclusion in healthcare through vivid symbolism and human connection. The swirling colours transitioning from the doctor’s side to the patient’s side represent the seamless flow of empathy and understanding, emphasizing the unity essential in compassionate care. At the heart of the piece, a child gently holds the doctor’s finger, a simple yet profound gesture of trust and vulnerability. The caregiver’s serene expression and the doctor’s warm smile create an atmosphere of safety, dignity, and hope. Through the diversity of skin tones, age, and religious representation, the artwork celebrates healthcare as a universal right that embraces every individual, not a privilege. "Heartbeat" serves as a reminder that true inclusion in healthcare nurtures not only the body but also the spirit, honouring the shared humanity that connects us all.

This is a drawing of Khaled Nabhan holding the lifeless body of his 3-year-old granddaughter, Reem. Reem and her 5-year-old brother were killed in bed by an Israeli airstrike in the Al Nuseirat refugee camp, Gaza (November 2023). Khaled Nabhan himself was killed by an Israeli tank shell in Nuseirat (December 2024).

The cornerstone of medicine is the fundamental right of every human to have access to healthcare. The healthcare system in Gaza has collapsed, with the WHO verifying 654 attacks on healthcare facilities and more than 1,000 healthcare workers killed.

As a medical student, I question what inclusion really means when we live in a world where, according to The Lancet, 64,260 Palestinian people (the vast majority being women and children) are estimated to have been killed since October 2023, and why this genocide has been allowed to proceed by our world powers.