Shaping Integrated Care for a Healthier Future
Professor Fahad Rizvi, originally from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, embarked on his remarkable journey two decades ago when he relocated to the UK after earning his MBBS. Since then, he has become a transformative force in the British healthcare system, leaving an indelible mark through his work with the National Health Service (NHS). Besides chairing and sitting on various boards nationally, he is currently the Director for Willows Health NHS and Clinical Lead for NHS Leicester City Integrated Care Board. Fahad is celebrated for his dynamic and comprehensive approach towards education of healthcare professionals, business development, optimising healthcare operations and patient care across the UK. His strategies have not only enhanced the quality of care but also set new national benchmarks, making him a pioneer in the field of healthcare transformation. His approach focuses on the integration of services, ensuring that patient care is both efficient and compassionate.
Beyond his contributions to the NHS, Fahad has shown remarkable entrepreneurial flair within the healthcare sector. His business acumen has led him to establish and oversee some of the most successful healthcare practices in the UK. Currently, he manages one of the largest General Practices in the country, demonstrating his capability to handle large-scale operations with precision and care. He was also the visionary behind a highly successful organization that facilitated the NHS’s transition of surgical and daycare services into community settings. This initiative has not only alleviated pressure on hospitals but has also made healthcare services more accessible and convenient for patients. His entrepreneurial efforts highlight his dedication to creating sustainable, patient-centric solutions that benefit communities on a national scale.
In academia, Fahad’s commitment shines just as brightly. He is deeply invested in nurturing the future generation of healthcare professionals, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical, community-based medical care. As an educator, Fahad’s enthusiasm is contagious—he inspires both peers and students alike with his passion for teaching and his drive for excellence. His focus is not merely on imparting knowledge but on building healthcare leaders who will continue his legacy of innovation and compassion. His work in academia extends beyond the classroom; he is actively involved in research, contributing to the advancement of community-based surgery and integrated care models that are changing the way healthcare is delivered. His efforts ensure that his students are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complex, evolving landscape of modern healthcare.
Professor Rizvi’s impact is particularly felt in the development of care pathways that enhance collaboration between specialists and generalists. His efforts to bridge this gap have transformed the traditional approach to patient care, making it more cohesive and efficient. By integrating various healthcare services like primary and secondary care, public health, city council and voluntary sector organisations he has not only improved patient outcomes but also set a precedence for integrated care models in the UK and beyond by encouraging a collaborative culture. His work serves as an example for healthcare systems globally, proving that a unified approach can lead to better health outcomes and more streamlined care delivery.
His influence also extends far beyond clinical and entrepreneurial achievements. Fahad’s dedication to spreading knowledge and improving healthcare standards is exceptional. He actively trains and mentors upcoming generations of healthcare professionals, ensuring that they are grounded in principles of excellence, ethics, and compassion. Through workshops, seminars, and international collaborations, he ensures that the values he upholds are disseminated not only within the UK but also abroad. His commitment to education is evident in the way he continually seeks to improve and adapt his teaching methods, aiming to inspire and empower healthcare professionals globally.
One of the most respected medical leaders in Leicestershire, Leicester, and Rutland, Fahad Rizvi embodies the motto of his college, “scientia cum caritas”—knowledge with charity. This ethos is not just a guiding principle but a way of life for him, reflecting his deep belief in merging medical expertise with genuine care for patients. His approach ensures that every patient is treated with the utmost respect and that healthcare services are delivered with empathy. His leadership exemplifies what it means to be a true medical professional, combining technical expertise with a human touch.
Besides numerous awards, Fahad was recently awarded the NRI Achievers Award 2024 as the ‘Innovator of the Year in Healthcare’ in recognition of his trailblazing work. This accolade is a testament to his innovative spirit, his relentless pursuit of excellence, and his dedication to transforming healthcare. The award highlights his role as a leader who is not afraid to challenge traditional practices and explore new, more efficient ways of delivering care.
On a personal note, Fahad wishes to express his deep gratitude to his parents, brother, sister, his wider family, and work colleagues and friends, for their unwavering support, inspiration, and motivation. Their constant encouragement has played an essential role in his journey. Fahad is supported by his wife, Dr. Mehar Ahson, a Consultant Anaesthetist, and their three daughters Zara, Zoya, and Safa. He credits these four incredible women as his inspiration and the driving force behind his successes. Whether in the operating room, the classroom or at home, Fahad’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and an unyielding commitment to transforming healthcare for the better. He often expresses the sentiment ‘Love what you do and do what you love’.