Dancer turned doctor Veena Babu (@doctor.veena) is a real talent of a general practitioner. Working across medicine, dance, and media, Veena has achieved so much already, and is always striving to learn more. After qualifying as a doctor in 2015, she decided to embark on her GP training course, which she qualified from in 2020. Veena now works between the A&E ward and a GP clinic, and truly loves her role.
Why medicine?
By her own admission, Veena fell into medicine after a career in astrophysics looked unlikely. She always knew she wanted to help individuals whilst using her skills for problem solving and science, and ultimately have a positive impact on society as a whole. Once she qualified as a doctor, Veena had the tough decision of whether to become a dermatologist or a GP. However, with her hybrid arrangement between the hospital and clinic, she is able to have the best of both worlds. During her ward shifts, she enjoys the hustling, bustling, team environment. Whereas, during her clinic shifts she can build rapports with patients and see their treatment through. The switching of energies helps her through the week.
Why Simki?
In Veena’s words, Simki scrubs have been a “game changer” for her.
“People get confidence from the way they look and the way they present themselves, and I think that’s quite a big thing because when you have this high-quality scrub that you present yourself to patients in, they take you more seriously, your colleagues take you a bit more seriously and you take the day more seriously. The quality is amazing”, says Veena.
Most importantly though, the scrubs provide Veena the comfort she needs for those extra long days on shift.
“On Mondays I do an 8-3 in clinic and a 4-midnight in A&E, so there’s no way I could do that in normal clothes – I have to be in my Simki scrubs for those days. As it’s a long day, I just want to be comfortable and not think about what I’m wearing”.
How does dance help you switch off?
Although it is difficult to find the motivation to dance after a long shift, Veena knows how much exercise benefits her body and brain. When she stopped dancing during the COVID-19 lockdowns, she noticed weight gain, a loss of agility, and a mental dip, which made fighting the pandemic even more difficult.
“I actually came to the realisation that it is because I dance that I have the energy that I have. Staying young is all about the aerobic and creative stuff you do outside of work”, says Veena.
By dancing, she knows she’s investing in her health, which makes it all the more worth it.
Self-motivated, passionate and optimistic, Veena is a shining light in the medical world. Follow her Instagram @doctor.veena for continual creative inspiration and healthcare tips.