Ms Sameera Patel shares her pathway as part of South Asian Heritage Month 2025
Can you tell us a little about your career and the path you took to your present role at FoDOCS?
My journey into Reconstructive Science began somewhat unexpectedly. I had initially hoped to study Dentistry, but during my A-Levels, I struggled with declining mental health and was not predicted the grades I needed. While attending university open days, I came across related courses such as Oral Health Science and Dental Technology. The latter particularly appealed to me as it was creative, required strong manual dexterity, and the entry requirements felt more achievable at the time.
A dental technician, in many ways, is to a dentist what a pharmacist is to a doctor. Dentists send us prescriptions for various appliances, which we then manufacture to precise specifications before sending them back for fitting. It is a behind-the-scenes but vital role.
While studying Dental Technology in Cardiff, I was introduced to Maxillofacial Prosthetics, a specialist area that uses similar materials and skills but instead of fabricating teeth, we create prosthetic facial features such as eyes, noses, and ears. For my neurodivergent and creative brain, this was the perfect blend of artistry, science, and purpose. I had been apprehensive about missing out on clinical interaction in traditional dental technology, but this field bridged that gap beautifully.
By my third year, I knew I wanted to pursue Maxillofacial Prosthetics further. At the time, very few formal routes existed, but then the Scientist Training Programme (STP) expanded to include ‘Reconstructive Science’. I was determined to gain a place, fully aware of how competitive it would be, and to my delight, I was successful. Securing one of just six places nationwide was one of my proudest moments. I was on a rotation based in the South West of England. The STP is a part-time MSc you complete whilst also doing clinical training at a chosen trust.
After completing the three-year MSc, I returned to London to be closer to friends and family, even though I did not yet have a job lined up. Our field is incredibly niche, and posts are few and far between, so flexibility in relocation is often essential. Fortunately, not long after moving back, a position opened up at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital for a graduate Maxillofacial Prosthetist/Clinical Reconstructive Scientist. It was the first job I applied for post-MSc, and against all odds, I got it.
Working alongside the very lecturers who had taught me during the MSc was surreal, and it motivated me to get involved in teaching opportunities within the department. I began contributing regularly to teaching sessions and soon realised it was something I wanted to pursue more seriously.
Eventually, when my physical health began making the demands of a full-time clinical post increasingly difficult, an ideal opportunity arose: the lead professor was stepping back, and the department needed support in running three MSc programmes. I cautiously applied, not wanting to get my hopes up, but was thrilled to be offered the role of Clinical Lecturer!
From the outside, my path to FoDOCS may look like smooth sailing, but it has been far from it. My route has been shaped by perseverance, timely opportunities, and the ability to adapt when things did not go as planned, all underpinned by a deep love for the creative, human-centred science that defines our field.
What, if any, challenges did you encounter along the way, and how did you navigate them?
My first major challenge came at the age of 18, when my plans to study Dentistry did not go as expected. I was taking strong medication for acne at the time, which significantly affected my mental health. I experienced depression, low self-esteem, and a complete lack of motivation. My A-Levels were a real struggle, and I found college to be an incredibly difficult and unhappy time in my life.
At university, I faced a different set of challenges. I had chosen to study hundreds of miles away from my family and friends in London, which made me feel isolated. It is not typically the done thing for a Muslim South Asian woman to move far from home to pursue higher education, but I was fortunate to have the unwavering support of my late mother. She never allowed anyone to dull my shine and encouraged me to follow my aspirations without compromise. Despite strong opposition from family members, she defended my choices every day. Having been unable to pursue education beyond secondary school herself, it was incredibly important to her that I had the freedom to shape my own path.
Throughout my undergraduate degree, I continued to struggle with my mental health. My personal values and life choices did not always align with the expectations of my wider family and community, which made things more difficult. But I stayed true to myself and remained open and honest with my parents about who I was and what I wanted. Some might call that brave, but to me, it was simply necessary.
During my master’s training, I was based in the Southwest of England, rotating between four NHS trusts: Gloucester, Bristol, Poole, and Salisbury. This meant constant travel and frequent moves. Although I had a ‘base’ home in Cheltenham, I would often spend two to three months at a time living in Salisbury or Poole, often paying rent in two places at once. It was exhausting, both mentally and physically.
In my third and final year, I faced the dual challenge of completing my thesis and searching for a job after qualification, of which there were few. It was a terrifying time. I made the decision to return to London to prioritise my mental wellbeing, even though it meant moving back without a job lined up. Fortunately, my parents were able to support me, emotionally and practically, in a way they had not been able to during the previous six years. That support made all the difference.
If you could, what advice would you give your younger self at the start of your career?
Don’t forget to have fun along the way. It is easy to get caught up in proving yourself, but joy is just as important as hard work. Do not be afraid of what others might think, and never let comparison steal your confidence. You are on your own path, and that path is valid.
Be kind to yourself. You are a good, honest person, and those qualities will take you further than you can imagine. Trust in your values, even when the world around you seems uncertain.
Celebrate your wins, even the small ones. Let yourself be proud. There is strength in setting boundaries, and even more in learning to advocate for yourself and for others. You are enough, just as you are — and you always have been.
This year's SAHM theme is ’Roots to Routes’. Each of us carries a unique story shaped by our roots and the routes we’ve travelled to get to where we are. Could you reflect on this theme and what it means to you?
The theme ‘Roots to Routes’ resonates deeply with me, as someone whose personal and professional journey has rarely followed a straight line. My roots are grounded in my South Asian, Muslim upbringing, a culture that taught me resilience, compassion, and the importance of family and community. However, the routes I have taken have often been difficult for those around me to understand or accept.
After completing my master’s and moving back to London, I came out as queer. That was another significant turning point in my life, but also a painful one. Choosing to live openly and authentically led to rejection from parts of my wider community and brought new challenges in navigating both my personal identity and my professional role. It remains an ongoing process of reconciling who I am with where I come from, and doing so with pride, even when it is not easy.
Another major shift came when I became physically disabled, which meant I could no longer continue in full-time clinical practice as a prosthetist. That loss was difficult to come to terms with, but it also opened the door to a different kind of contribution. I began using my knowledge and experience to support others, particularly those who, like me, exist at the intersections of multiple identities that are often underrepresented in healthcare. In a field that remains overwhelmingly white and male, it has become even more important to me to be visible, to advocate for inclusive spaces, and to make room for those who might not traditionally see themselves reflected in this profession.
To me, ‘Roots to Routes’ is not just a theme, but a lived reality. My roots have shaped my values and strength. My route has required courage, honesty, and constant adaptation. I carry both with me, not as contradictions, but as coexisting parts of my story.
Do you have professional role models or colleagues who have inspired you? If so, please feel free to use this space to give them a personal shoutout and share links to promote and spotlight their work.
I have been fortunate enough to work with some incredible individuals throughout my career so far. One of the most influential has been John Starr, who was my training officer, lead mentor, and manager when I began my master’s training. His kind and patient approach was exactly what I needed at that stage in my development. He was understanding, approachable, and knew precisely when to push me beyond my comfort zone. I will be forever grateful for the way he supported me, stood up for me even when I did not realise I needed it, and encouraged me to believe in my own potential. He continues to be a source of inspiration to this day.
Another key influence during my training was Heidi Silk, now a valued colleague and friend. Heidi taught me to think outside the box, to question assumptions, and to never settle for less than I deserve. Her creativity and high standards encouraged me to raise my own expectations, and I am proud to work alongside her today.
It means a great deal to still have personal and professional relationships with both of these wonderful humans. Their impact on my journey has been immeasurable, and I hope to carry forward their generosity, wisdom, and integrity in everything I do.