Camilla Lönngren-Stride

THE DANCING DOCTOR

Senior Clinical Fellow at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Camilla’s passion for helping people and her problem-solving skills is put to good use in her role as a doctor in a bustling A&E department. She moved to London at the age of 12 and has never looked back.

You’ve lived in London for nearly 25 years. What brought you to the UK? 

I moved to London when I was 13 because my dad got a job here, and we settled in Barnes. We quickly became fond of London and became active in the local community. I attended all of Upper Secondary School in Barnes and graduated from 6th form in 2007. 

After graduation, I took a gap year to work as a background dancer, performing on The X Factor and in music videos. I had danced throughout my education and the school was very supportive and gave me flexibility. Although I considered a career as a professional dancer, I ultimately chose to study medicine. Today I live in Richmond together with my husband (a fellow doctor) and our two children. Funnily enough, our house is close to where I used to go to 6th form. 

What type of medicine do you practise? 

I work in the A&E (Accidents and Emergencies) department at West Middlesex Hospital, which is part of the Chelsea and Westminster Trust. I specialise in Acute Medicine, treating patients who come into A&E with various medical issues. As the Chief Registrar, I also hold a leadership role, overseeing efficiencies and processes within the department. 

What excites you about your career?

I have a passion for working with people and thrive on the frontline. Shift work means that I often work weekends and late in the evenings. Though the days are long, I enjoy the fast pace and the fact that I am constantly challenged. My team is great, and there’s a strong sense of camaraderie. We are a group of 80, collectively caring for some 70 patients. 

“Coming to London opened my world.”

What is your advice to anyone who is considering becoming a doctor? 

Before committing to studying medicine, it’s essential to understand what the job is like in real-world settings. Gaining some work experience at a hospital or taking a related course can be very beneficial. 

It’s crucial to genuinely like people and to be non-judgmental. Excelling in theoretical knowledge and studying is one thing, but being a good doctor is quite different. You will encounter individuals from all walks of life and various stages. I’d say being good with people is more important than excelling in science. While analytical skills are necessary, interpersonal and practical problem-solving abilities are even more vital. Additionally, you must be prepared to work hard, including shift work, and to understand that this will be a significant part of your life.

If you were to give one piece of advice to your young self, what would that be? 

I would tell myself, ‘’if you want it, it’s possible. Go for it. Don’t be discouraged because it seems hard. Grab opportunities whenever you can’’. 

What influence has London had on you? 

Coming to London opened my world. Here, you meet people from all corners of the world, with diverse backgrounds and no singular national identity. London is a melting pot of people who have travelled and who bring their rich experiences with them. 

Is being Swedish important to you? 

I’ve lived here for 23 years, but still fell very Swedish. I proudly consider myself a global Swede. I have become deeply accustomed to British culture and am very proud of being a resident of this country. 

What is the fondest memory you have from the school?  

I cherish many wonderful memories. The “Semmelrace” is such a nice tradition, and as a dancer I was deeply involved in the Spring Show. Celebrating Graduation was especially memorable. We rented a limousine and partied in Twickenham before we headed to a nightclub in town. Another highlight was participating in the “Luciatåg” for Sven-Göran Eriksson (‘’Svennis”), who was immensely popular in the UK at the time. It was both an honour and an exciting experience.