A consultant Therapeutic Radiographer at University Hospitals of Northamptonshire has been shortlisted for Professional of the Year at the Asian Achievers Awards.
Taking place on Friday 19 September at the London Hilton, the Asian Achievers Awards was launched in 2002 to recognise and celebrate British Asian achievement across multiple fields.
Maulik Darji, a consultant Therapeutic Radiographer, was shortlisted from among more than 500 nominations across all categories.
'Opportunity to raise awareness'
Maulik said: "It felt amazing to be shortlisted. To be selected from over 500 nominees is incredibly rewarding — it already feels like a win. This recognition means a lot, not just personally, but as a reflection of the dedication and hard work of the hospital team I’m proud to be part of."
“As a Therapeutic Radiographer, it’s a real honour to even be shortlisted. Over the years, I’ve seen various award shows, and it’s rare to see radiographers represented. Many people don’t really understand what we do, so it’s incredibly meaningful to have this opportunity to raise awareness — not just about my role, but about the difference between diagnostic and therapeutic radiography. I hope this recognition helps shine a spotlight on our profession and the vital work we do.
“For me, it’s never been about awards — it’s about making a real difference in someone’s life. That’s the greatest reward. Whether it’s listening, holding a hand, or helping manage symptoms, even the smallest action can mean everything to someone who’s suffering.”
From a young age, he knew he wanted to make a meaningful impact, and the NHS felt like the right place to do that. He first discovered radiography during a healthcare careers session in his A-levels and was particularly drawn to therapeutic radiography. What resonated most with him was the chance to build lasting relationships with patients and support them through incredibly challenging times. It offered the perfect balance of science, technology, and compassionate care — and he knew it was the right path for him.
'A holistic approach'
Maulik graduated in July 2014 from Sheffield Hallam University with a First Class Honours degree in BSc (Hons) Radiotherapy and Oncology. Just five months later, in December, he decided to specialise in head and neck cancer.
"Head and neck cancer treatments can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life, often causing disfigurement, speech and swallowing difficulties, and changes in taste," Maulik said. "Recognising these challenges, I have made it my mission to advocate for a holistic approach to patient care both during and after treatment. This involves educating and involving families and carers to ensure that patients receive the necessary support and understanding at home as well as in the hospital, helping to minimise the negative effects on their quality of life."
Maulik’s time at UHN has been very supportive, he continued. In fact, opportunities were in such plenty that he found himself grabbing on to them, “a little bit too early”.
Alongside being a consultant Therapeutic Radiographer and one of UHN’s first independent prescribers in radiotherapy, Maulik Darji also serves as the president of The Swallows Head & Neck Cancer Charity Conference, which will be holding its 10th Anniversary Conference on 4-5 November 2025 in Northampton.
He said: "Outside the NHS, I’m proud to serve as medical advisor, patron, and conference president of The Swallows Head & Neck Cancer Charity. This role allows me to support patients and families beyond the clinic, ensuring no one faces cancer alone. Its nice to support both patients as well as their relatives in a very tough moment in their life and provide hope beyond the clinical setting."
(Image: Maulik Darji)