Dr Sibhi Raja on a career as a gastroenterologist and digital health innovator

In this episode of the Creative Careers in Medicine podcast, host Adam Rushford is joined by Dr Sibhi Raja, a consultant gastroenterologist at the Whittington Hospital in London. Dr Raja shares his career journey, beginning with his early exposure to medicine as part of a medical family and his initial interests in the humanities. Discussing his formative experiences which inspired his interest in gastroenterology and hepatology, particularly where medical science intersects with social and socioeconomic issues.Dr Raja reflects on his unique path between the UK and Australia, noting how working in different healthcare systems, especially his training and fellowship work in Adelaide and at St Mark’s Hospital in London, has shaped his adaptability and broadened his clinical perspective. Expanding into Dr Raja’s observations around systemic gaps in the care of chronic gastrointestinal conditions, notably irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Drawing from his research and clinical work, he identifies the limitations of current pathways in managing IBS, both from patient and healthcare system perspectives. These have led Dr Raja to explore digital health solutions, to which created his holistic digital therapeutic app, Ahara. The app aims to deliver evidence-based, multidisciplinary care in a format that is accessible to patients, utilising an integrated approach which covers education, diagnosis, and a spectrum of therapies. Dr Raja emphasises the importance of translating clinical guidelines and evidence into digital tools that genuinely improve patient outcomes and quality of life.Dr Raja shares his interests outside medicine, noting how a passion for history and storytelling helps both his holistic approach to patient care and his vision for digital health innovation. To get more CCIM, subscribe so you never miss an episode, join our Facebook community and subscribe to our newsletter!CCIM WebsiteCCIM FacebookThe CCIM Podcast is part of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network, offering the latest in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, and more. Discover the network at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network.