A Peak of Achievement: Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

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Jul 10
2 min read

Updated: Jul 14

A man and a woman with arms extended at the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro

To mark a shared milestone - his 50th birthday and Mildmay’s 40th - Dr Rahul Bhattacharya, Mildmay’s Consultant Liaison Psychiatrist, took on an extraordinary challenge: climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain in the world.

A selfie in a spectacular mountainside sunrise — A stunning selfie

“If I didn’t do it now, I might not be able to in the future,” Rahul said before departing for Tanzania. Starting the climb on 3rd July, he reached Uhuru Peak - Kilimanjaro’s summit at 5,895 metres (19,341 feet)—on 7th July, returning to base camp the following day. Despite the thin air, steep terrain, and freezing summit temperatures, Rahul completed the climb with determination, posing for a triumphant photo at the top.

A group of people on the snowy slopes of a mountain — During the ascent

Dr Bhattacharya, who also serves as an Associate Clinical Director at East London NHS Foundation Trust and holds academic posts at Queen Mary University of London and Warwick Medical School, undertook the challenge not only as a personal goal but as a symbol of the resilience and perseverance needed in healthcare - and especially at Mildmay Hospital.

A photograph of Mount Kilimanjaro from a campsite at night — Mount Kilimanjaro at night.

Mildmay is a small, specialist, charitable hospital and rehabilitation centre in East London. We are the only hospital in Europe dedicated to the treatment and rehabilitation of people with HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders and other complex HIV-related conditions. Despite tremendous progress in HIV care, we still face critical challenges: stigma, health inequity, and a lack of funding. Reaching those most marginalised takes time, patience, and the building of trust—something that requires staff time, perseverance, and dedication.

It’s that same grit and endurance that helped Rahul reach Africa’s highest point. And it's what drives the team at Mildmay every day.

Beyond his clinical role here, Dr Bhattacharya is a leading figure in neuropsychiatry and psychological medicine, with more than 30 peer-reviewed publications, contributions to international guidelines, and ongoing efforts to improve mental healthcare access for ethnic minority groups. His Kilimanjaro climb is a powerful reminder that even in the most demanding roles, we all need space to reflect, recharge, and push our limits.

Congratulations, Dr Bhattacharya, from all of us at Mildmay!