During South Asian Heritage Month, the SoR is celebrating and amplifying the experiences of its members from South Asian communities.
Observed annually across the UK throughout July, South Asian Heritage Month aims to celebrate the diverse culture and history of South Asian communities in Britain and internationally.
The theme for this year’s campaign is 'unity in diversity’.
SoR member and MRI radiographer Md Habibur Rahman shares his perspective on how his culture has helped him along his journey into radiography.
What first inspired you to join the radiography profession?
To be honest, when I completed my school education, I did not fully understand what radiography was. In fact, my family played a significant role in the decision for me to study radiography. As a Bangladeshi family, this is a very normal part of our culture, where parents are actively involved in making important decisions for their children.
However, from my very first class, I began to develop a genuine passion for the subject.
Learning about the human body and how diagnostic images are produced through radiography was like love at first sight. From that first day until now, this is the only profession I have ever truly wanted to pursue. Almost everything I do is, in some way, related to radiography.
I am committed to progressing within the profession and aspire to become an advanced MRI radiography practitioner. I also hope to contribute to the education and development of future radiographers by sharing my knowledge and experience. This has always been my aim in life.
How has your cultural identity shaped your journey or experiences in radiography?
My cultural identity has played a significant role in shaping my journey and experiences as a radiographer. Having studied and practised radiography in Bangladesh before relocating to the UK, I have gained valuable experience of working in different healthcare systems. This has enabled me to develop adaptability, cultural awareness, and a broader understanding of patient-centred care.
As someone from a South Asian background, I speak three South Asian languages — Bengali, Urdu, and Hindi. This has been a valuable asset in my role within the NHS, where we care for patients from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. On many occasions, I have been able to communicate directly with South Asian patients who have limited English proficiency. This helps to reduce their anxiety, improve their understanding of MRI procedures, and, most importantly, maintain patient safety by ensuring they fully understand MRI safety screening questions and examination instructions.
Working in the NHS has reinforced the importance of providing equitable, compassionate, and inclusive care to every patient, regardless of their background. My cultural identity allows me to build rapport with patients from different communities, while also helping colleagues overcome language and cultural barriers when needed. I believe these experiences have made me a more empathetic, culturally competent and effective radiographer.
Overall, my cultural identity has not only shaped my professional journey but has also enabled me to make a meaningful contribution to the multidisciplinary team and to the delivery of safe, high-quality, patient-centred care within the NHS.
What do you love most about being a radiographer?
What I love most about being a radiographer is making a positive difference to a patient's experience. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the genuine smile on the face of a patient who was anxious or frightened before entering the MRI scan room and then leaves feeling reassured after successfully completing their examination. Knowing that I have helped someone overcome their fears while maintaining the highest standards of patient care and safety gives me great professional satisfaction.
I also find it incredibly rewarding when patients appreciate the way I care for them and recognise the quality of the service they receive. Providing compassionate, patient-centred care without compromising on quality or safety is something I take great pride in.
Another aspect I value is working as part of a supportive multidisciplinary team. I enjoy collaborating with colleagues who help and encourage one another, as this creates a positive working environment and ultimately benefits our patients. I also appreciate working in a diverse and multicultural workplace, where I have the opportunity to learn from colleagues and patients with different cultural backgrounds and experiences.
Working as an MRI radiographer within NHS England provides exactly the environment that I value most. Every day, I have the privilege of caring for patients from diverse communities while working alongside colleagues from many different backgrounds.
This diversity enriches my professional experience, broadens my perspective, and continually inspires me to provide the highest standard of care.
What does ‘unity in diversity’ in radiography mean to you?
To me, ‘unity in diversity’ in radiography means people from different cultures, backgrounds, languages, and experiences working together with one common purpose — to provide safe, compassionate, and high-quality patient care. As a radiographer who studied and practised in Bangladesh before relocating to the UK, I have experienced different healthcare systems and have learned that, although our cultures may differ, our professional values remain the same.
Regardless of where we come from, we are united by our commitment to patient safety, dignity, respect, and excellence in care.
Working within the NHS has shown me the true meaning of unity in diversity. Every day, I work alongside colleagues from a wide range of cultural and professional backgrounds, each bringing unique knowledge, perspectives, and experiences to the team. This diversity strengthens our practice, encourages continuous learning, and enables us to deliver better care for our patients.
As someone from a South Asian background who speaks Bengali, Urdu, and Hindi, I have been able to support patients who have limited English proficiency. Being able to communicate in their own language helps to build trust, reduce anxiety, and, particularly in MRI, ensures that important safety information is clearly understood. These moments remind me that diversity is not simply something to celebrate — it is a practical strength that improves patient care and outcomes.
For me, unity in diversity is about respecting and valuing each person's identity while working together as one team. It means recognising that our differences are not barriers but strengths that allow us to provide more inclusive, compassionate, and patient-centred care. As an MRI radiographer in NHS England, I am proud to be part of a profession where diversity brings us together and where our shared purpose always remains the wellbeing of our patients.
To share your experience during South Asian Heritage Month, click here.
(Image: Md Habibur Rahman)