Rossby’s grassroots mission to tackle sickle cell
It usually takes a lifetime to come full circle, but Dr Rossby Awadzi has already returned to his Harlesden roots where he plans to become a GP.
“I grew up in Stonebridge so coming to Central Middlesex Hospital several years ago was a bit of a homecoming, especially as I started treating people I used to see as a kid.”
Rossby, 34, currently divides his time between the hospital where he works with sickle cell patients, a GP surgery, working as a research fellow, and founding the largest sickle cell educational platform in the world.
“I like to keep busy and, when I'm not working, I teach human biology classes in local schools.”
Rossby set his sights on becoming a professor but degrees in biochemistry and immunology made him realise he preferred life outside the laboratory, despite a senior colleague advising him against a switch to medicine.
“He said I was better off becoming a paramedic because of my size which was the most nonsensical piece of career advice I’ve ever had.”
Rossby subsequently applied for medical school at the grand old age of 24.
“It was a lot of work, but I have no regrets. I enjoy working with patients and have an excellent group of peers who encourage me and support what I do.
“Brent is home to one of the largest sickle cell communities in the UK and what struck me about this group was how clear they were about what improvements they want to see, but how little knowledge they were given about the condition they were living with compared to other chronic diseases.
“I remember asking two young sickle cell patients if they would like me to practically explain what their blood test results meant. They found it useful so suggested a follow-up zoom call so I could answer any further questions.
“I dialed in to find 50 people waiting in the meeting as they had shared the link with other patients. It grew from there until we had thousands of attendees from 12 different countries.”
Medical support is crucial in helping sickle patients manage their condition, but Rossby says two of the biggest cornerstones are compassion and understanding.
“There is a lot of decent work going on now because we are ensuring this group of patients are front and centre in developing services they want to see. It is not perfect, but we are getting there.
“This group has historically been given the short end of the straw, and it takes time to win back that trust. I am pleased to say we have been winning in many areas of sickle cell research and are the first to recruit in Europe for our latest trial.”
Rossby’s work has also come to the attention of NHS England where he has supported the development of national pathways and educational campaigns.
He has also completed a review of every sickle cell support unit in the country, as well as help produce an ongoing series of cinematic patient leaflets, to be released in early 2026.
“There is so much to do and to being able to serve the community that I grew up in and give back is a great privilege.”