Our Team

After finding the world of bioidentical hormone optimisation and later, functional medicine in the USA, Dr Bains founded Harpal Clinic in 2013, excited by the prospect of longevity medicine and the potential it had in transforming the face of medicine.

The inevitability of disease that she saw in Orthopaedics and ENT, plus the sense of helplessness that she felt when seeing these patients made her question if medicine was even the right field for her. In that spirit, she decided to find her feet in medicine that would satisfy her need to really contribute and make a difference. After leaving the NHS, she worked as a surgeon at Marie Stopes, consulted at a male sexual dysfunction clinic and worked with ex-SAS servicemen training journalists in hostile region survival.

During this time, she developed experience in sexual health, psychosexual medicine and aesthetic medicine. This eventually led to her interest in hormone optimisation, longevity medicine and functional medicine. Her well-rounded experience lent itself to creating protocols combining these different forms of medicine, at a time when there was limited access to these specialities, especially in the UK. She learnt with her patients, many of whom are still with the clinic today and in good health.

At present, she is primarily focussed on training other practitioners in the Harpal protocol to continue the work of the clinic so that patients can access top quality service and highly trained doctors with minimal waiting times and adequate post-consultation care. Additionally, she continues to research and refine her current protocols, adding new treatments and products as more research becomes available. She writes a lot – both creatively and medically – and is working on a book about her patients’ journey to improved health. She still sees patients at the clinic for aesthetic medicine and is involved in teaching sessions and discussions with both clinical and non-clinical staff at the clinic and outside the clinic.

Other interests: Her first significant accomplishment was getting her black belt in Tae-Kwon do at the age of 16. She loves all kinds of dancing and has performed on stage multiple times whilst at medical school. She is naturally creative and loves fashion, art and colour. She made her first pair of bespoke shoes in 2022 – a lifelong dream! She also enjoys creative writing and is working to get published.

Qualifications

2018 – Saïd Business School, University of Oxford – Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Programme

2013 – 2017 – Certificate of Competence, The Academy of Preventive and Innovative Medicine by Worldlink Medical

2014 – PG Cert (Distinction) Aesthetic Medicine, Queen Mary University of London

2010 – LoC in Intrauterine Contraception – Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare

2010 – LoC in intradermal Contraception – Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare

2008 – DFSRH (Diploma of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare)

2002 – MRCS Part 1 – Royal College of Surgeons

1998 – M.B.B.S. – Manipal Academy of Higher Education Kasturba Medical College

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Dr Salker is an experienced GP and graduate of King’s College London with advanced training and diplomas in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Reproductive and Sexual Health, plus Public Health. In the field of integrative medicine, she has completed the AFMCP and is a DNA Life practitioner. She is also trained in Bioidentical Hormone Optimisation with the Academy of Preventive and Innovative Medicine in the USA.

Her journey into functional medicine has been borne out of her own health journey and the frustration that she felt with how conventional medicine failed to address the root cause of many patients’ issues. Over the years, with increasing experience and extensive study, she has developed many interests in this area of medicine.

Dr Salker’s areas of special interest:

• Fatigue syndromes including post-viral fatigue like long-COVID and Epstein-Barr virus
• Hormone optimisation for menopause management
• Hormone optimisation, testosterone replacement therapy, and health optimisation for andropause in men
• Hormone optimisation in pre or perimenopausal women, in particular PCOS, endometriosis, excessive irregular or painful menstrual bleeding and related issues including depression or low moods. She is also interested in DNA SNPs that can cause hormonal issues in patients
• The gut/brain connection
• Neuroplasticity and its place in HPA axis dysregulation and trauma
• Adrenal insufficiency and HPA axis dysfunction

Other interests: Dr Salker loves all types of dance and is an accomplished Bharatanatyam dancer. She was part of a dance group that won many competitions during her teenage years.

Dr Raczko is a medical doctor with over 10 years experience and extensive training specifically in functional and integrative medicine. She has a postgraduate diploma in Nutritional Medicine as well as Mental Health. She completed extensive functional medicine training including AFMCP and Prescribing Lifestyle Medicine. She also studied genetics with DNA Life and completed nutritional genomics training. She is trained in Bioidentical Hormone Optimisation with both the Academy of Preventive and Innovative Medicine in the USA and with Marion Gluck Training Academy.

Her work within hospital settings, where patients required secondary level urgent care, made her realise that there was so much more that could be done to prevent diseases. This made her explore preventative measures for maintaining wellness and chronic disease management early in her medical career. As such, this has led to understanding how to apply these principles not just in sickness, but also in healthy people to increase healthspan.

Dr Raczko’s areas of special interest:

• Integrative approach to hormone imbalances for women in premenopause, perimenopause and menopause. This also includes conditions such as PCOS, severe PMS, endometriosis
• Adrenal health (stress) and gut health and their association with other systems in the body
• Thyroid dysfunction, including autoimmune thyroid disease
• Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in men and women
• Longevity medicine and improving healthspan, especially considering the place of genetics within preventative healthcare
• Skin health; adopting an integrative approach utilising principles of functional medicine, bioidentical hormone balancing, and where appropriate, products and procedures advice

Other interests: Dr Raczko loves art and photography. She likes the medium of charcoal and her favourite subjects are animals.

Dr Curran is an experienced GP within the corporate health and executive wellbeing services. He has a postgraduate honours degree in Human Genetics and has since explored this further with additional research and training with DNA Life. He is also trained in Nutritional Medicine and Occupational Health, and Bioidentical Hormone Optimisation with the Academy of Preventive and Innovative Medicine in the USA.

During his time in corporate care, he saw many patients in highly demanding, competitive and emotionally demanding roles that sometimes led to burnout. This drew him to evidence-based, cutting-edge advances in science and technology that support physiological resilience, human performance and longevity.

Dr Curran’s areas of special interest:

• Hormone optimisation and testosterone replacement therapy for andropause in men
• Longevity medicine including performance management, exercise, nutrition and understanding biohacking
• Cellular and metabolic health including an in-depth understanding of physiology and its practical application in cellular performance
• Autoimmunity and its increasing occurrence
• Adrenal insufficiency and HPA axis dysfunction
• Integrative approach to hormonal health, and functional medicine principles of going back to the root cause, especially in perimenopause and menopause

Other interests: Dr Curran was a professional musician in his 20s and 30s. He was in various jazz bands and played the piano, drum and bass guitar. These days, he plays to a limited audience to which we are still waiting to receive an invite…

Dr. Sandhu is a seasoned London-based Functional Medicine practitioner with over 20 years of experience as a GP. She is also trained in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, nurturing a strong focus on women’s health within her practice. Known for her compassionate approach, Dr. Sandhu has a unique ability to connect with patients, making them feel comfortable and understood.

With specialised training in Bioidentical Hormone Optimization from the Academy of Preventive and Innovative Medicine in the USA, Dr. Sandhu is also pursuing a Diploma in Lifestyle Medicine with the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine. Her journey into functional medicine and hormone optimisation began after experiencing burnout herself. Realising the limitations of conventional medicine, she embarked on a path of personal exploration and intensive study, igniting her passion for holistic wellness. Driven by curiosity and dedication, Dr. Sandhu sees herself not just as a doctor but as a problem-solver, helping patients achieve optimal health through personalised, integrative care.

Dr. Sandhu’s key areas of expertise include:

• Hormonal optimisation
• HPA axis dysfunction
• Health optimization in complex chronic conditions
• Investigating and addressing root causes in chronic fatigue syndromes

Other Interests: Beyond medicine, Dr. Sandhu has a deep appreciation for the arts, particularly theatre and performing arts. She enjoys contributing to this passion by learning ballroom and Latin dance, bringing balance and joy into her own life.

Dr Wilde is a certified Functional Medicine doctor with a broad generalist background, who practices Integrative Medicine, specialising in the sports and rehabilitation field as well as in health optimisation.

Dr Wilde spent 17 years in the British military, working in many different locations and environments around the world. She trained in both emergency medicine and general practice, and supported severely injured military personnel through their recovery at the esteemed Defence Military Rehabilitation Centre, UK.

Both Dr Wilde and her husband, who was also a military doctor, have had first hand experience of injury and rehabilitation and have made significant changes to their lives and career pathways as a result. She has gained a very personal insight into the determination and commitment it takes to work through physical and emotional health challenges and to re-establish an equilibrium that brings fulfilment. She supports her patients to work through their own challenges and offers understanding and guidance to help them build better foundations for their future and long term wellbeing.

From 2020, Dr Wilde has worked extensively with the recreational athlete community, offering education and Integrative Medicine strategies to help them achieve their health and performance goals.

She has a thirst for continuous learning and teaching and is currently contributing towards the first textbook in Integrative Sports Nutrition. She has lengthy experience as an instructor for the UK Resuscitation Council and regularly mentors other healthcare and sports practitioners. She is a member of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, the Institute of Functional Medicine and the British Society of Ecological Medicine and has qualifications in Wellbeing Coaching and Personal Training.

Dr Wilde and her husband now live in Canada and she is delighted to be able to continue to offer medical care online as part of the team at the Harpal Clinic.

Dr Wilde’s areas of special interest:

• Sports and rehabilitation medicine: for training and injured athletes 
• Traumatic brain injury 
• Perimenopause
• HPA axis dysfunction 
• Sleep
• Body composition 
• Healthy aging
• Health optimisation

 

Other interests: When not at work, her happy places are walking by the sea or in the gym lifting weights with her cats. A life-long lover of all things fluffy, you might just spot one of her huge Maine Coon kitties during your consultation!

Elisabeth’s journey in healthcare began in 1995 where she trained as a Homeopathic practitioner under the guidance of the esteemed homeopath and author Robert Davidson, founder of the College of Practical Homeopathy in London. During this time, Elisabeth’s interest in energy medicine and the concept of body intelligence developed, leading to a successful practice where she focused on treating chronic infections, asthma, and eczema in both adults and children.

In 2007, Elisabeth transitioned to a different aspect of healthcare by earning her nursing qualification from City University, London. She built a strong foundation in oncology surgical nursing, specialising in Maxillofacial, ENT, Plastics, Urology, and Ophthalmology at St Bartholomew’s and the Royal London Hospitals. She then moved into community nursing, and later worked as a Forensic Nursing Sister and patient advocate at The Havens in London.

Elisabeth’s interest in holistic health led her to the field of functional medicine, where she has found her passion at Harpal Clinic. She is enthusiastic about the transformative power of nutrition and enjoys making a tangible impact on her patients’ health through intravenous nutrient therapy, vitamin D optimisation, vitamin shots, and personalised health coaching. She is a qualified menopause nurse advisor and she is currently pursuing further training in functional medicine.

Other interests: Elisabeth was a bass guitarist in several bands in her 20s, performing at various venues in her native New York and London. She also did a stint in music journalism specialising in Scandinavian Indie Rock. These days she still enjoys music and feels that a live music experience is irreplaceable, and has a deep appreciation for the nuances of performance and sound. Whether she’s discovering new bands or enjoying established favourites, music remains a lifelong passion for her.

Saliha moved to London when she was 18 to complete a BA in Graphic Design. She then pursued a career in graphic design professionally for a few years whilst experiencing all that London had to offer. During this time, her chronic childhood eczema flared up severely to the point where steroid creams did not work anymore. She felt like she needed to find her own solution to her problem.

This led to years of pursuing various therapies like Ayurveda, herbalism, acupuncture and cupping. This eventually led her to functional medicine in which she pursued and earned a PhD. Whilst seeing functional medicine patients, she also decided to seek a more hands-on role in medicine and decided to train further and joined the NHS Blood and Transplant. This gave her valuable experience in patient care and phlebotomy. She then went on to get further training in medical aesthetics procedures like microneedling and PRP.

Since joining the clinic, Saliha has been able to explore her passion fully and continues to learn and apply her vast knowledge in this area of medicine to her patients. She is active both as an IV drip practitioner and also as a health coach handling post-consultation care.

Other interests: Saliha has lived in five different countries and adores travelling. She loves exploring different cultures and mindsets which has given her an appreciation of each individual’s values and beliefs. She also used to be in performing arts doing acts like juggling and fire shows with poy, staff, balls and clubs!

From an early age, Viola was fascinated by the intricate details of the human face and body. She stepped into the world of aesthetics by volunteering at a renowned beauty salon as a teenager. Under expert tutelage, Viola was introduced to ‘old-style, proper techniques’, in her own words. This experience inspired her to cement her future in the aesthetics industry and led her to pursue a specialised education.

When Viola relocated to London she decided to extend her skills from conventional beauty techniques to advanced medical aesthetics. As years passed, she delved deeper into the realm of medical aesthetic procedures and cultivated a profound comprehension of skincare products.

Viola’s expertise, combined with an innate skill for detail, led to her work at Harpal Clinic. She is responsible for devising our clients’ skincare routines, a task she accomplishes with a wealth of knowledge and vigilant attention to detail.

Viola’s two decades of experience in advanced face and body rejuvenation has established her as an expert in her field. Each and every one of her clients reaps the benefit of her meticulous nature. Viola is all about understanding the science behind excellent skin and taking steps to achieve it.

Victoria has been with the clinic for a number of years; working very closely with our doctors as our nutritional therapy practitioner whilst also supporting our new patients.

She graduated from the renowned Institute for Optimum Nutrition (ION), an organisation whose principles are founded in functional medicine and health optimisation. She has since been using both functional and longevity based nutrition to compliment patient health strategies set by our medical team. She is always keen to learn about the most recent evidence-based research when it comes to longevity, functional nutrition and niche areas within nutrition.

Victoria also works within clinical research and clinical logistics at the clinic. She most recently managed in-house research looking at Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS). You may find yourself on a discovery call with Victoria as she is our new patient lead, using her skills within nutritional therapy and her experience within the clinic to guide each individual person on what their potential journey with us could look like.

Victoria’s special interests are in:

• Longevity nutrition – longer term concierge nutrition support through our longevity membership, and also supporting those wanting to just dip their toe into the longevity space
• Brain health – specifically brain fog, supporting future neurological health
• Gastrointestinal disorders such as inflammatory bowel syndrome, Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis
• Hormone & adrenal health
• Skin health – specifically acne and ageing

Other interests: Victoria likes to travel off the beaten track and explore different cultures. She lived in China briefly in her 20s, travelling and teaching English. She studied philosophy, and in her free time explores astronomy and anything space related. She enjoys weight and resistance training, poetry (Maya Angelou, and Rudyard Kipling’s ‘IF’ are favourites), and is fascinated by myco-medicine.

A doctor of a different breed, Nirupa has a PhD in Humanities and is a former lecturer at university.

Nirupa’s background gives her an intricate eye for detail and ensures that everything she does is met with the precision necessary to keep the clinic running smoothly. And although you may never meet her, she has definitely coordinated at least a small part of every patient’s journey with us.

She continuously goes above and beyond, making certain her systematic approach always considers the human element with professionalism and patient care at the forefront.

An avid traveller and mum of two with a wicked sense of humour makes Nirupa a well-rounded person who can balance her personality’s responsible and fun-loving parts with great aplomb.

Joining our team following stints in both a fertility and ultrasound clinic, Aliyah has worked in the clinical environment for quite some time and finds almost everything about hormones fascinating.

She has grown tremendously over her years working with us, becoming the principal support link between our practitioners and patients.

Her devoted interest to learn as much as possible about a functional medicine approach to health led her to get her certificate in Health and Wellness Coaching from the Institute of Health Sciences, making her part of the UK Health Coach Association and the International Coaching Federation.

Aliyah believes everyone should have a basic understanding of their hormonal health and its importance; you live with them your entire life, after all! An avid participant in self-study, she emphasises that you don’t need a degree to grasp this knowledge and strives to sweep the jargon away when helping people. She also has considerable enthusiasm and takes great effort to learn and understand medications, why they are prescribed, and their side effects to help guide patients through their journey and support them as much as possible.

Outside of the clinic, you’d definitely catch Aliyah with a book in her hand, travelling and enjoying different cultures.

Sam’s career initially started in banking where she gained a wealth of experience (not sure if there is a pun intended there!).

Sam spent a lengthy 7 years in the NHS in various services working within a multi-disciplinary team. She then decided to move into the private sector and has an acute interest in functional medicine and nutrition and is excited to gain deeper knowledge.

Sam has a great deal of enthusiasm and positive energy. She enjoys face-to-face contact with patients/clients and will ensure a fantastic patient experience.

She loves to relax with friends and family, spending her free time cooking, travelling and keeping fit by spinning, yoga, swimming and skiing.

Cecile, a former nurse and current health coach who goes above and beyond the conventional approach. With a deep understanding of functional nutrition and a passion for brain health and disease prevention, Cecile can be your ultimate wellness guide.

As a compassionate healthcare professional, Cecile excels in understanding the nuance and individualism of every patient. She is dedicated to offering outstanding and comprehensive patient care. Her extensive knowledge further strengthens her commitment to preserving patient health.

Beyond medical expertise, Cecile possesses remarkable skills that enhance her patient interactions. Her empathy, active listening, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence make her approachable and supportive to our patients. But what truly sets her apart is her adaptability and growth mindset. She continually updates her knowledge of functional and holistic health practices, ensuring that she stays ahead of the curve in delivering cutting-edge solutions to our patients.

Clarise came to us after embarking on a tenacious quest for success and learning.

She believes in the power of nutrition and its ability to transform lives, and in just 3 years earned her qualification in nutrition, DLN Living Nutrition Practitioner. She joined the clinic ready to make a positive impact to patients’ health and wellbeing.

Clarise’s journey to becoming a Functional Health Nutritionist wasn’t an easy one. Amidst caring full-time for three beautiful children, she dedicated herself to gaining the knowledge and expertise needed to excel. Through a diligent work ethic and unwavering dedication to quality, she conquered the demanding job and deadlines. It’s safe to say that multitasking is her middle name!

As a team player, she knows that collaboration is essential in achieving the best results. She builds meaningful and trusting relationships with our patients that go beyond expectations.

The twist? She does all of this whilst maintaining her composure and sense of humour. She believes that patient care doesn’t have to be dry and boring; it can be witty and engaging.