Dr Amir Khan is one of the most loved doctors in the UK today. You may have seen him on TV, read one of his bestselling books, or watched him explain health topics in a fun and simple way. But behind all the fame, he is still the same warm and caring GP who works full time in inner-city Bradford. His story is honest, real, and very inspiring — especially if you like hearing about people who worked hard, stayed kind, and made a big difference in the world.
In this article, we will explore Dr Amir Khan’s early life, his family, his career, and the things that shaped him into the doctor he is today. This is the first half of the full article, and we will continue the second half next.
Growing Up in Bradford: The Beginning of His Story
Dr Amir Khan was born and raised in Bradford, West Yorkshire. He often talks about his childhood with a big smile because it was full of love, noise, and family. He grew up in a small house with his parents and six sisters. Yes — six sisters! If you imagine a home filled with laughter, arguments, food, and chaos, you are already halfway there. He once said that every night someone was visiting their house, or they were visiting someone else. It was a lively environment where he learned the value of family, respect, and kindness.
His parents worked very hard. His father was a bus driver and his mother was a social worker. They didn’t have much money, but they had strong values. They taught him to help people, stay humble, and work hard for what he believed in. These early lessons shaped his entire life.
Growing up as a British Pakistani Muslim also had its ups and downs. Dr Amir Khan has shared that he sometimes faced racism and hurtful comments when he was young. He met people who judged him unfairly, and some patients even refused to see him later in his career because he was Asian. But instead of letting this break him, he used these moments to grow stronger and kinder. This strength is something many people admire about him today.
How Dr Amir Khan Became Interested in Medicine
Many people choose medicine later in life, but for Dr Amir Khan, the spark came early. As a teenager, he spent summers working in care homes, helping older people with disabilities. He helped feed them, support them, and talk to them. Seeing how much small acts of kindness helped others made him think, “This is what I want to do.” These moments planted the seeds of his future career.
Another big influence was his family. Some of his sisters worked in medicine too, and their stories made him curious about healthcare. He loved the idea of helping people feel better, learning new things, and working in a job that truly mattered.
Dr Amir Khan studied hard at school. He earned a scholarship to Bradford Grammar School — something he was very proud of, even though he also felt a bit of “imposter syndrome.” He was surrounded by students from wealthy backgrounds and often felt like he didn’t belong. But he didn’t give up. He learned to be confident, trust himself, and understand that everyone’s journey is different.
His hard work paid off. He got into medical school and studied at the University of Liverpool. He later completed more qualifications, including a Diploma in Child Health and the DRCOG from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. These extra qualifications showed how committed he was to becoming the best doctor he could be.
Life as a GP in Bradford
After medical school, Dr Amir Khan returned to Bradford — the place where everything began. He now works full time as a GP in inner-city Bradford. The area is busy, diverse, and sometimes struggling with social problems, but Dr Amir Khan loves it. He understands the community because it is the same kind of area he grew up in.
He often explains that being a GP is not just about giving medicine or diagnosing problems. It’s about listening, understanding people’s lives, and helping them feel heard. Many patients see him not only as a doctor, but as someone they trust. When he speaks, he explains things clearly and kindly, which is why so many people connect with him.
His work is fast-paced. Patients come in every ten minutes with different problems, worries, or fears. But he always tries to make each patient feel calm and supported. A big part of his message is simple:
If people feel listened to, they start healing.
This approach is one of the reasons so many viewers love him on TV — he makes medical advice feel personal and human.
Teaching the Next Generation of Doctors
Dr Amir Khan doesn’t just treat patients — he also trains the doctors of tomorrow. He works as an Honorary Senior Lecturer at both the University of Bradford and the University of Leeds. For more than ten years, he has helped new doctors learn how to communicate, how to care, and how to handle the pressures of the job.
He even won the GP Trainer of the Year Award in 2018, which is a huge honour in the medical world. Many doctors in Bradford today were trained by him, and he feels proud when he sees them doing great work in their own practices. For him, seeing his students succeed is one of the biggest achievements of his life.
How Dr Amir Khan Became a TV Doctor
Dr Amir Khan never planned to be on TV. It all happened by accident. Channel 5 came to film a show called GPs: Behind Closed Doors at his Bradford surgery. They filmed for more than a year, and viewers quickly noticed Dr Amir Khan because of his warm personality and the way he connected with patients.
People liked watching him because he was real. He explained serious issues in a simple way and made healthcare feel less scary. Soon after, ITV invited him to work on Lorraine and Good Morning Britain. At first, he thought, “I’m just a lad from Bradford — why me?” But he took the chance, and it changed his life.
Today, he is one of the UK’s most trusted TV doctors. He talks about health, wellness, mental health, and lifestyle topics in a friendly, clear way that everyone can understand.
Dr Amir Khan as a Bestselling Author
Along with being a full-time GP and a TV doctor, Dr Amir Khan is also a very successful writer. Many people do not know that he never planned to be an author. It happened in a very natural way. His book agent asked him if he had any interesting stories from his GP life. He wrote one simple story, then another, and before he knew it, he had a whole book.
His first book, The Doctor Will See You Now, became a Sunday Times bestseller. The book is full of real stories from his time as a GP. Some stories are funny, some are emotional, and some are very moving. Readers loved it because he wrote in the same warm and honest style that he uses on TV. His message was clear: being a GP is not just a job — it is a deep, personal experience.
After that, people expected him to write another memoir. But instead, he surprised everyone. He wrote a fiction book called How (Not) To Have an Arranged Marriage. This novel follows the funny, awkward, and emotional journey of British Asian families dealing with love, culture, and tradition. The book feels real because it is inspired by things Dr Amir Khan has seen in his own family, his community, and even in his own match-making experiences.
His third book, How Families Are Made, is a beautiful children’s book that teaches kids about family, love, and how different families are formed. It is simple, kind, and very educational. Parents and teachers love it because it helps children learn about modern families in a friendly and safe way.
These books show that Dr Amir Khan is not only a skilled doctor, but also a gifted storyteller who cares about people and wants them to understand the world better.
His Thoughts on Arranged Marriage and Culture
One of the reasons Dr Amir Khan’s novel became so popular is because he talks about a topic many people are curious about: arranged marriage. He has always been very open about this part of South Asian culture. He explains that arranged marriage is not the same as forced marriage. Forced marriage has no choice and is illegal. Arranged marriage, on the other hand, is full of options, introductions, and freedom.
He often jokes about the awkward moments that come with match-making. For example, when both families sit in one living room, pretending everything is normal, but everyone knows the real reason they are there. Or when aunties ask personal questions that make the young couple blush. He says these moments are both funny and stressful — and perfect for storytelling.
Dr Amir Khan also talks about growing up between two cultures: British culture and South Asian culture. When he was younger, he sometimes tried to hide parts of his culture because he wanted to fit in. But as he grew older, he learned to embrace both sides proudly. He now calls himself “authentically British Pakistani,” and he encourages others to accept every part of who they are.
His story helps young British Asians who feel stuck between two worlds. He shows them that you can love both sides of your identity without losing yourself.
Speaking Up About Racism and Inequality
Dr Amir Khan has faced racism throughout his life and career. He has shared stories about patients who refused to see him because he is Asian. He has talked about the racist messages he receives online. He has even spoken openly about the harmful words he heard as a child.
Instead of staying silent, he uses his platform to educate people. He explains that racism in healthcare still exists and needs to be addressed. He also talks about “micro-aggressions,” the small but hurtful comments people of colour hear every day.
By sharing his experiences, Dr Amir Khan helps others feel less alone. Many young doctors from minority backgrounds say that his honesty makes them stronger and more confident. He also encourages people to challenge unfair behaviour, speak up for themselves, and support each other.
Awards, Recognition, and Public Trust
Over the years, Dr Amir Khan has earned many awards and achievements. One of the biggest moments in his career was winning the GP Trainer of the Year Award in 2018. This award shows how much he cares about teaching, mentoring, and guiding future doctors.
Even when he faced media criticism during the weight-loss jab controversy, he remained calm. He explained that he followed all NHS, GMC, and Ofcom rules. ITV also confirmed that he had done nothing wrong. Many people praised him for being transparent and professional.
Today, Dr Amir Khan is seen as one of the most trusted voices in British healthcare. His mix of medical knowledge, kindness, and honesty has made him a familiar and respected figure in homes across the UK.
His Impact on Health, Families, and the Community
What makes Dr Amir Khan truly special is how far his influence reaches. He is more than a TV doctor. He is more than a GP. He is someone who helps people every single day — not only with medicine, but with guidance, comfort, and hope.
He teaches families about health, nature, and well-being. He encourages people to spend more time outdoors because nature helps with stress and mental health. He works with wildlife charities, helps children learn about the natural world, and promotes simple habits like walking, gardening, and taking breaks from screens.
In the NHS, he fights for fair healthcare for everyone. He speaks up for patients in poor areas, people from minority backgrounds, and families who feel unheard. He believes that good healthcare should not depend on your money, your race, or your postcode.
His work reaches classrooms, clinics, TV studios, bookshops, and communities. That is why so many people admire him.
The Legacy of Dr Amir Khan
When we look at the full journey of Dr Amir Khan, one thing becomes clear: he never forgot who he is. From a small house in Bradford to the national TV screen, he stayed grounded, kind, and connected to his community. He uses every part of his life — his culture, his struggles, his humour, his education — to help others grow.
His story inspires young people who dream of becoming doctors. It gives hope to immigrants and minority families. It reminds us that kindness, empathy, and hard work still matter today.
And most importantly, his message is simple:
Health is about people. It is about listening, caring, and supporting each other.
Dr Amir Khan continues to write, teach, speak, and heal. His journey is still growing, and his impact will last for years to come.
