Mentor Profiles
Explore the profiles of our current mentors for the SWL Mentorship Programme here. If you are interested in becoming a mentee, please fill in this form.
How to use this page
Mentors are alphabetised by last name, click the below to be taken to each section:
A-C
Derin Alatishe
My name is Derin, I am a Black British female GP based in South London. I have been qualified as a GP since 2017- I currently work as a Salaried GP, Locum GP, GP Appraiser and Medical Student OSCE examination work. These roles mean I have relevant experience which can help those at an earlier stage of their careers. I am happy and excited to help support and encourage my Mentees. Working as a GP is tough, and can be isolating. Outside work, I watch a ridiculous amount of anime, enjoy reading, writing, playing netball and of course travelling.
Caroline Alden
I have been a GP in the local area for over 20 years. I have done a variety of roles from being a locum, GPwER and in education. I am currently a salaried GP, appraiser and medical examiner. This has given me a breadth of experiences to aid discussions about developmental opportunities. More importantly, I like to think I am approachable and very keen to help you work through any issues to make your working life as good as it can be. Being a GP is certainly challenging at times but there are ways to make it work for you.
Sadiya Ayaz
Working in General Practice can be hugely rewarding but equally challenging. Every day we have the opportunity to make a real impact on the lives of others, whether that be our patients or our colleagues. Having been a GP for over ten years and taken on various roles as an appraiser, trainer and undergraduate examiner, I feel passionate about supporting colleagues at various stages of their career. I realise the importance of managing professional and personal responsibilities and making general practice work for you - for only then is it sustainable and empowers us do our job in the best way possible
Niro Amin
I believe that coaching and mentoring are invaluable in offering practitioners a protected and safe space to reflect without judgement. I experienced C&M at various stages during my career and finds it is invaluable in supporting professional development.
Ila Bommayya
After 15 years working as a GP, I want to share my experience and help newly qualified GP’s to develop in my local area. I have a particular interest in women’s health, geriatric medicine, EOL care and diabetes
Tom Chan
I love my role as a GP trainer, especially the opportunity to mentor and counsel younger colleagues. I enjoy encouraging and helping them to thrive and achieve their personal and professional goals. I have experience in leadership in the NHS, having held posts as CCG Medical Director, and clinical lead roles in both commissioner and provider organisations. I have also navigated a successful return to practice, having taken a few years out to work in a non-medical career. I am keen to share my experience, hopefully to enthuse and advise colleagues in various stages of their career development.
Ruth Clery
I strongly believe that, by providing mentorship, hopefully clinicians can be supported to thrive rather than just survive.
Rakin Anwar
I am a GP working in South West London. I have lived, trained and worked in the area for my whole life. I also is a Lecturer in Clinical Communication at St George’s, University of London, as well as a Chief Examiner for the medical school. My passions lie in providing patient centred care, high quality medical education at undergraduate and postgraduate level and improving equality, diversity and inclusivity in clinical practice and education. I also have an interest in urgent care and work at St George’s Hospital urgent treatment centre. I am an avid follower of many sports including football, cricket and boxing and enjoy spending my free time listening to music, catching up with the latest movies and making references to 90s and 2000s pop culture.
Mandeep Singh Baveja
Reflecting on the challenges I remember experiencing at the start of my career, I would like to offer my support to others in the early-stage of their journey in primary care.
Kate Bowyer
As an experienced GP I have worked in a number of different roles in my career, mainly across South West London but with the occasional foray further afield. These include as a salaried GP, maternity locum, out-of-hours GP, portfolio GP, clinical director, educational lead and as a VTS programme director. I now continue to enjoy my current role as a GP trainer and partner. It's my belief that primary care harbours some of the best doctors out there with a lot to offer. As a mentor I would like to support and guide colleagues with their professional development to help them reach their potential.
Previna Chana
I have been a GP Mentor within my own practice for many years. As a GP trainer for the last 10 years I feel this will be a natural extension of my current role. I hope to be able to support and help newly qualified GPs thrive after finishing their training.
Kimi Citron
Seeking a cheerful mentor with a diverse week? Let's chat! I'm passionate about GI, Endoscopy, Lifestyle Medicine and Aesthetics. Fresh from a three month Asia trip, I'm eager to support mentees, prioritising doctors' wellbeing for fulfilling, happy professional lives. CCT’ing in 2022, I offer real understanding of current issues. During training I served as rep for GP trainees in KSS for HEE and BMA, and have had the privilege of teaching and examining as an honorary clinical lecturer at St George’s. My week involves locum, salaried, and private GP work, self-employed ventures, endoscopy training, and the occasional homeless clinic. Outside of work you’ll find me looking after my plants, exploring unconventional cuisines, and practicing yoga and knitting. I also lead a social group for female GPs aimed at enhancing wellbeing and providing mutual support.'
Jeff Croucher
I have been a SWL GP Partner in Sutton and local GP Trainer for over 20 years. I have also been a SWL system (CCG Chair), Place and Locality Clinical Leader previously. I have been involved in Public Consultation Processes and worked across both Health and Care Sectors in Leadership roles. I was trained at St Georges Hospital Medical School in the 1980's.I remain currently in both Clinical and Leadership roles in SWL and am keen to support others in their intention to progress in our region. I have supported Medical, Nursing, Pharmacy and Physiotherapy colleagues in their development and am looking forward to helping other to do so in the future.
D-F
Julia Foley
General practice is challenging, complex, fulfilling, confusing at times! I want to help you set your goals and carve the career path you wish to pursue. I have worked in a variety of GP practices over several years and also have experience as an appraiser and in teaching. I understand the complexities around building a career in general practice, but also know the job satisfaction you can find in the right circumstances. I am passionate about looking after our current workforce. There are too many of us leaving the profession and we need more support to try and find roles we can thrive and succeed in.
G-K
Nick Grundy
I’m a GP trainer, Partner, Federation Chair, and a pensions campaigner, and would like to help support people through the more interesting parts of these roles. We’ve employed several clinical fellows through the Federation, and expanding these roles is of particular interest.
Sahar Jahanian
I qualified in 2017 and have been a full time Salaried GP since then, working in a variety of roles including clinical Triaging, respiratory lead and group consulting. Being a full time GP and a mum of two, I fully appreciate first hand, the difficulties we all face finding that work life balance in a life that “fits” you. My goal is to help you see the hope within yourself, giving you the opportunity to bring out the best of you.
Baljit Johal
I am passionate about learning, teaching, mentoring and development. I have been teaching undergraduate and postgraduates for over 25 years and mentoring I&R doctors and pharmacists for over 5 years.
L-P
Santina La Porta
I have been a trainer for over 14 years and enjoy this tremendously. I have loved watching my trainees growing in confidence and developing their skills. I want to help encourage prospective mentees to become the best GPs they can be.
Hana Patel
Working as a portfolio GP, I have a passion for mentoring and coaching and use this in my academic and regulatory roles. Having worked as a GP principal, salaried GP and a locum GP, I have experienced the responsibilities and challenges of each position. I enjoy clinical practice and work both in and out of hour settings. Having personal experience of working as a GP with caring responsibilities and fertility issues, I am sympathetic and aware of how a chronic condition can impact on career choices and progression. I look forward to working with you to help you explore and achieve your current goals.
Nick Merrifield
I’ve always enjoyed the variety our profession affords - I am a GP partner, trainer, PCN Clinical Director and a GP Fed Director in Kingston and I’ve also had roles in child protection and cardiology. I have an interest in service development and new ways of working within primary care and also the wider Place and ICS. Being a GP can be the best job in the world but needs to work for you - I think mentoring can be a powerful tool in achieving your goals.
Katherine Paterson
I enjoy teaching and training. I am a GP Trainer, appraiser and Training Programme Director and would value the opportunity to support newly qualified professionals transitioning from training.
Q-Z
Laura Quinton
I trained at UCL and am a GP since 1996. I have been a trainer and appraiser and am now a Clinical Director of Wandle PCN. I enjoy supporting others, teaching and learning. I am married to a consultant at St Georges and live and work in Wandsworth.
Amit Seyan
I am coming up to the end of my 5th year as a GP and so feel well placed to help mentor those who have just finished their training and are starting life as fully qualified GPs. I have become a GP partner and trainer in the last few years and enjoy the challenge of working with staff to support them and help them develop.
Elizabeth Thorpe
I have experience mentoring in practice, as a trainer, an appraiser, in communication skills exam preparation courses at the Deanery and previously as a Program Director. I am currently a partner but have previously worked as both a salaried GP and as a locum. I am keen to support younger colleagues to find the right work life balance, to manage the workload pressures and to consider other wider opportunities within their general practice careers.
Mohan Sekeram
I qualified over 13 years ago and have enjoyed a varied career. I worked as a locum and salaried GP for 6 years before becoming a GP partner. I have developed a diverse portfolio which I am keen to share with my mentee. I hold a variety of roles including Programme Director for SPIN New to Practice Fellowships Southwest London and Clinical Lead for Personalised Care, Southwest London, GP Trainer as well as other roles. As Oprah says, ‘Passion is energy, feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.’ As a mentor, I look forward to supporting you to achieve this.
Mehreen Tahir
I've enjoyed a diverse career and am eager to share my experiences as a salaried GP and passion for Women’s Health and healthcare leadership with my mentee. In addition to my current Deputy Medical Director role at NHS England, I've represented NHS England in Europe, collaborated with the GMC on virtual reality, and helped develop a work experience catalogue with HEE. Completing a Darzi fellowship prepared me to support my mentee's NHS journey. As Visiting Associate Professor at the Health Systems Innovation Lab, LSBU, I've gained leadership experience in primary care systems. My roles as Training Programme Director at St George's VTS and GP trainer are equally important. I aim to help mentees connect with the healthcare system, foster resilience, and safeguard well-being.
Luke Yahanpath
I have a passion for education and self-development. I would call myself an early career GP, completing training in 2014 in Kent. I have worked substantively at 3 surgeries in the Sutton area, as well as a short stint as a GP in New Zealand. I am a GP Trainer, undergraduate tutor and PLAB examiner. I have a medic wife and a young family. I really enjoy supporting other doctors in their own development.