Rania Al-Mukhtar - KHPeople

Rania Al-Mukhtar was a successful applicant for the King's Health Partners (KHP) summer internship 2025 programme. Since the start of their placement they have supported patients through the Ageing Well With Sickle Cell initiative, working within the KHP Haematology team. 

What is your role within King’s Health Partners?

As a Summer Intern within KHP Haematology, I have supported patient engagement activities, conducted interviews, and contributed to research exploring what “ageing well” means to the sickle cell community. I helped map key themes emerging from focus groups and interviews and developed a roadmap to guide future patient workshops.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

My favourite aspect of the internship was working alongside Alahna and shadowing Dr Arne, a consultant, on the wards and in clinics. It was a privilege to work alongside the team, meet patients, and witness the clinical side of care. As a medical student, I haven’t had many opportunities to learn about sickle cell firsthand, so this experience offered invaluable insight. I also particularly enjoyed hearing directly from patients during focus groups; their openness about both strengths and challenges was deeply moving.

What inspired you to get into this work?

As a medical student interested in public health, I’ve always been motivated by work that connects clinical understanding with real-world community impact. My passion for tackling health inequalities drew me to this project, as sickle cell disease disproportionately affects marginalised communities who often face barriers to care and understanding. I wanted to contribute to research that amplifies patient voices and strengthens the support available to those living with the condition. The Ageing Well with Sickle Cell project stood out because it focuses not only on medical outcomes, but also on lived experience and ageing - areas that are often overlooked. It was inspiring to be part of work that truly bridges healthcare and community perspectives.

How does your work impact the lives of patients and communities?

This project is expanding to include further focus groups and workshops, helping us build a deeper understanding of patient experiences. The findings will highlight both the strengths and barriers patients face, identifying where structural, cultural, and procedural changes are needed. By capturing patient perspectives, the project aims to shape more inclusive care and promote healthier ageing for people living with sickle cell disease.

What are the benefits of working in partnership?

Working in partnership allows us to connect expertise from different sectors, clinicians, researchers, and patient communities, to create more holistic solutions. Through collaboration, we’re able to share insights, challenge assumptions, and co-design approaches that are both evidence-based and grounded in lived experience.

Partnership transforms research from something about patients into something with patients.

What would be your one career top tip?

Be curious and open to opportunities that take you beyond your comfort zone. Some of the most valuable experiences come from trying something new, even if it feels unfamiliar at first. Whether it’s talking to patients, joining a new project, or learning a new skill, these moments often shape your path in unexpected ways. Stay grounded in empathy, ask questions, and remember that every experience, big or small, can teach you something meaningful about healthcare and about yourself.