My Fellowship funded research cataloguing the wildlife in Himalayan caves and contributing to the knowledge of rabies and the lung disease histoplasmosis. I discovered several new species in Nepal and named a hitherto unknown insect Troglopedetes churchillatus in honour of Sir Winston Churchill – it only occurred to me later that calling a blind creature that feeds on bat dung after the great man might be disrespectful.

My travels showed the importance of health information and the understanding of germ theory. Next, I trained as a doctor and worked on health promotion in low-income countries. I also started writing – on health and travel. I have published travel health guides, travel narratives and novels set in Nepal, including adventure stories for children. I have written over 200 health features for Wanderlust magazine and in 2019 Simon Calder, travel editor of The Independent newspaper named me one of the most impressive travel authorities.

I served as a GP for 15 years and have worked in Asia for 13 years. I teach on global health and also give talks in schools on my writing and travels.