Our entrepreneurs: Nawal Yousaf

In our latest #OurEntrepreneurs profile we meet cohort 7 Clinical Entrepreneur Nawal Yousaf, Medical Student.   

Tell us a bit about yourself 

I’m Nawal, a medical student at Kings College London with a passion for both digital health and mental health, especially for the Muslim population. I believe in the power of technology to improve patient outcomes and am driven to make a difference in the medical field.  As I continue my studies at one of the world’s leading universities, I am excited to bring my unique perspective and commitment to improving healthcare to the forefront.

Why did you apply to the programme and what are you looking forward to?

I first learned about the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur programme online when I was a first-year medical student. I was immediately drawn to the programme’s focus on innovation and entrepreneurship in the healthcare industry and thought it was a fantastic opportunity to be part of. At the time, I mistakenly thought that it was only for more advanced medical professionals, but as I continued to research the programme, I realised that it was open to individuals at all stages of their careers.

As a student, I am now even more excited about the programme and how it can help me grow both personally and professionally. I believe that the skills and network I will gain through the programme will be invaluable in shaping my future as a healthcare professional. I am looking forward to this opportunity to bring my ideas to life and make a positive impact in the world of medicine.

I hope that the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme will provide me with the support and resources needed to bring my innovation to the next level. As a world-renowned institution with a rich history of private-public partnerships and international cooperation, the NHS has the potential to greatly impact the success of my digital therapeutic solution for mental health within the Muslim population.

I am eager to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the programme to network with key stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, policymakers, and business leaders. I believe that these connections will be invaluable in helping me to gain the support needed to incorporate my solution nationally.

Furthermore, the programme will provide me with access to cutting-edge research, training, and mentorship that will help me to develop my skills and grow as a healthcare innovator. By leveraging the expertise and resources of the NHS, I believe that I will be able to create a solution that is both effective and sustainable.

Overall, I am confident that the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme will play a critical role in helping me to bring my solution to the forefront of healthcare innovation and make a lasting impact on the lives of those in need.

Tell us about your innovation  

At the London Institute of Healthcare Engineering, I am thrilled to be leading the development of a digital therapeutic solution for mental health within the Muslim population. My experience completing a student selected component in cultural psychiatry during medical school highlighted the need for culturally appropriate mental health resources that incorporate faith and spirituality. To my surprise, I found that there was a gap in the market for a clinically validated digital solution in this area.

This realisation inspired me to take action and contribute to filling this gap. I am eager to bring my knowledge and skills to the table to create a solution that can make a real impact in the lives of those in the Muslim community who need mental health support. I am confident that this digital therapeutic solution has the potential to make a lasting difference and I am eager to see the positive outcomes it will bring.

My ultimate vision is to see our solution widely adopted and make a positive impact on the mental health of Muslims globally. I believe that with the right support from NHS CEP, we can make this vision a reality and bring about meaningful change in the lives of those in need. I hope that this solution will not only benefit Muslims across the UK through the NHS, but also have a reach beyond national borders and make a difference in the lives of Muslims in countries such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

What motivates you? 

I am deeply driven by the belief that access to culturally appropriate and clinically validated mental health resources can have a profound impact on individuals and communities. This is particularly true for the Muslim population, where I have seen first-hand the need for such resources.

My motivation comes from the desire to use my skills and knowledge to create solutions that not only address mental health concerns but also support overall well-being and promote a holistic approach to healing. I am passionate about leveraging technology to create positive change in the world, and I believe that our digital therapeutic solution has the potential to make a lasting impact on the lives of those in need.

What are your ambitions for the next year?

In the next year, I have two key ambitions for my digital therapeutic solution for mental health within the Muslim population.

First, I aim to meet the best people in the field and build meaningful connections with key stakeholders. This includes healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, and business leaders who have the expertise and resources needed to bring my solution to the next level.

Second, I am eager to release and test our app. This is a crucial step in the development process, as it will allow us to gather valuable feedback and make any necessary improvements to our solution. I believe that this will be a defining moment in the journey of our innovation, as it will bring us one step closer to making a positive impact on the lives of those in need.

Overall, I am confident that these ambitions will serve as a foundation for continued growth and success in the future. I am excited about the opportunities ahead and am looking forward to making a meaningful contribution to the field of healthcare innovation.

Why do you think innovation is important in healthcare?

Innovation is important in healthcare because it has the potential to improve the quality of life for patients and transform the way we deliver care. In today’s rapidly changing healthcare landscape, it is essential that we find new and better ways to address the needs of patients and meet the growing demand for high-quality, accessible care.

In particular, the development of culturally sensitive care solutions is crucial in addressing the needs of underserved populations, including the Muslim community. Despite the significant mental health needs of this population, traditional healthcare solutions often fail to consider the unique cultural and spiritual beliefs of this group.

How can we find out more?

Please visit my social media channels for more information.