Dr. Punam Krishan: A Renowned GP, Media Personality, and Public Health Advocate
Dr. Punam Krishan is a distinguished Scottish General Practitioner (GP), media personality, author, and advocate for public health. She has built a remarkable career by integrating her medical expertise with media engagements to promote health awareness. Known for her appearances on BBC’s “Morning Live”, her writings in leading publications, and her participation in Strictly Come Dancing 2024, Dr. Krishan continues to make an impact in multiple domains.
Early Life and Education
Born on May 28, 1983, in Glasgow, Scotland, Dr. Punam Krishan pursued her medical education at the University of Glasgow, where she completed her medical degree in 2006. Her academic excellence led her to become a qualified GP, focusing on lifestyle medicine and holistic well-being.
Medical Career and Contributions
Transition from Partnership to Locum GP
Dr. Punam Krishan initially started her career as a partner in a medical practice, but in 2017, she transitioned into a locum GP. This move allowed her to explore her passion for public health education, media advocacy, and writing.
Role in Public Health and Advocacy
Dr. Krishan has been a strong advocate for preventive healthcare, emphasizing lifestyle medicine, mental health, stress management, and cultural competence in healthcare. She actively promotes the importance of holistic well-being, sleep management, and root-cause medicine.
NHS and Medical Education Contributions
She has worked extensively within the NHS and continues her medical practice in Glasgow while balancing multiple roles. Dr. Krishan is also an Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer at the University of Glasgow, contributing to medical education and mentoring young doctors.
Media Presence and Writing Career
BBC Appearances
Dr. Punam Krishan has gained widespread recognition as the resident doctor on BBC’s “Morning Live”, where she educates the public on various health topics. She has also appeared in the BBC Scotland series “Laid Bare”, where she conducted medical check-ups and provided expert advice.
Writing and Publications
As a skilled writer, Dr. Punam Krishan has contributed articles to leading publications such as The Times, The Guardian, Huffington Post, and Pulse Magazine. In 2022, she authored the children’s book “How to Be a Doctor and Other Life-Saving Jobs”, inspiring young minds to explore careers in healthcare.
Dr. Punam Krishan’s Personal Life
Marriage to Dr. Sandesh Gulhane
Dr. Punam Krishan is married to Dr. Sandesh Gulhane, a fellow GP who later became a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) and the health spokesperson for the Scottish Conservative Party. The couple tied the knot in 2011, celebrating their marriage with traditional ceremonies in both India and the UK.
Children and Family Life
Dr. Krishan and her husband are proud parents of two children:
- Son: Aarish, born in 2013.
- Daughter: Ellora, born in 2020.
Despite their busy professional lives, both Dr. Punam Krishan and Dr. Sandesh Gulhane remain dedicated to their family and continue advocating for public health and healthcare improvements.
Strictly Come Dancing Journey
In 2024, Dr. Punam Krishan participated in the 22nd season of Strictly Come Dancing, partnering with professional dancer Gorka Márquez. Her journey on the show was particularly notable for her Bollywood performance to “Bole Chudiyan”, which was the first traditional Bollywood dance on the show.
While she and Gorka were eliminated in week six, her participation was widely appreciated, and she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to step out of her comfort zone and learn a new skill.
Dr. Punam Krishan’s Car Accident
In March 2023, Dr. Punam Krishan experienced a life-threatening car accident when her vehicle aquaplaned on a busy motorway, causing her to crash into the central reservation. She described the incident as “an experience of absolute fear,” feeling everything happening in slow motion but too fast to register.
Recovery and Resilience
Following the accident, Dr. Krishan credited strangers who assisted her at the scene, helping her manage the physical and emotional impact of the accident. While she recovered physically, she admitted that the mental trauma took longer to heal. This experience strengthened her belief in human kindness and resilience.
Dr. Punam Krishan’s Influence in Healthcare and Media
Dr. Punam Krishan has successfully blended her medical expertise with public education, ensuring that healthcare remains accessible and understandable to the general public. Her ability to communicate complex medical concepts in an engaging and relatable manner has made her a trusted voice in healthcare.
Conclusion
Dr. Punam Krishan is more than just a GP; she is an educator, advocate, and role model who has dedicated her life to promoting public health, preventive medicine, and medical education. Whether in the NHS, media, writing, or dancing on Strictly, she continues to inspire people with her resilience, expertise, and passion for healthcare.
Her journey serves as a testament to the impact one individual can have in multiple domains, proving that medicine, media, and advocacy can coexist to create a lasting influence on society.
