Vidhi Naik is an outstanding early-career doctor whose impact extends far beyond her clinical role. As a full-time Foundation Year doctor, she balances the demands of frontline healthcare with significant academic, leadership, and voluntary contributions, consistently demonstrating initiative, resilience, and a commitment to service.

Alongside her clinical work, Vidhi has actively engaged in ophthalmology research, collaborating with clinical academics and presenting her work at international conferences—achievements that exceed expectations for her stage of training. 

Vidhi’s commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of women and girls is particularly notable through her work with The FGM Education Project. Initially joining in an informal capacity, she has increased her involvement despite a demanding schedule and now volunteers 2–3 hours per week as Social Media Manager. In this role, she independently researches and translates complex medical and social issues into accessible, engaging content across X, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. Her work has significantly increased the organisation’s reach and engagement, helping to amplify vital educational messages.

Her contributions extend beyond digital engagement. Vidhi authored a free e-book for frontline professionals, designed as an accessible resource to support education and awareness around FGM. She has also contributed a book chapter to an academic publication on the role of women in research and innovation, demonstrating her ability to engage with both practical and scholarly discourse.

Beyond content creation, Vidhi has taken on a mentorship role, training new volunteers in social media strategy and encouraging them to contribute confidently. Her leadership has strengthened the organisation’s capacity and sustainability.

Her dedication to service is further reflected in her charitable efforts. During the COVID-19 lockdown, she hand-embroidered t-shirts to raise £260 for Samaritans, directly supporting their essential services. She has also volunteered with the University’s Student Nightline, supporting student wellbeing.

Vidhi stands out for her ability to combine clinical excellence with meaningful advocacy and leadership. She identifies gaps, takes initiative, and delivers tangible impact.