12 FYi • Profile


Adam Campbell chats with children’s favourite TV doctor Ranjit Singh – better known as Dr Ranj


B


EING asked for his autograph during a patient consultation is not something Ranjit Singh would have considered at all likely when he began studying medicine back in the 1990s. But for Dr Ranj – as


he is now almost universally known – being recognised in this way has become something of an occupational hazard. Well, fronting your own BBC children’s show


and having a regular slot on ITV’s This Morning programme will have that effect on your life. Not to mention the many public appearances – on TV, radio and in person – that Dr Ranj makes in his hectic schedule, whether he’s talking about self-harm on Radio 1, raising


money for Children in Need, presenting a BMJ Award, or even appearing in a Christmas panto. “It’s a really surreal experience, because it’s


not something that I had ever been used to,” says the 34-year-old, whose “day job” – he still calls it that – is at a central London A&E where he is a sub-specialty trainee in paediatric emergency medicine. “I’m at work, so I can’t really be spending time giving out autographs and taking pictures. But I appreciate why they ask, and I use it as a sort of bravery award now, just to say, awww, here you go.” In fact, he says that when children


recognise him, it often helps them to relax and promotes an informality that is a big part of his approach to patients. “For lots of people, Dr


Whatever sounds very formal. I always introduce myself as Ranj. My whole ethos is about being approachable.”


Icky stuff and all Taking the formality – and the fear factor – out of healthcare was one of the goals he sought when he took time out from his training to work on the concept of what was to become the CBeebies show Get Well Soon. Aimed at pre-school children, the show features puppets, games, a doctor’s surgery run by Dr Ranj and songs about medical issues from verrucas to vaccinations – not forgetting the mucky subject of poo. “Children like honesty and they like


humour,” says Dr Ranj. “For an adult, talking about wees and stuff, it’s a bit icky, but a pre-school child loves it. It’s about sneaking in education and take-home messages whilst children are having fun. That’s the best way of


PHOTOS: CHRISTIAN VERMAAK (MAIN);BBC


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16