Pediatrician Dan Magnus has been named a finalist in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) Junior Doctor of the Year awards.

He is one of just three doctors to have been shortlisted. The BMJ awards, which will be announced in May, recognise doctors who have done most to improve the world or inspire others.

Dr Magnus, 31, who works at the Royal United Hospital in Bath, is a co-founding trustee of KOP, a UK charity supporting health, education and social welfare projects for orphans and vulnerable children in Kenya. He has also created a student programme of global health education comprising 14 UK universities.

He tells People: "It is very humbling to be nominated. I am very lucky in that I woke up one day and realised what I wanted to do with my life - improve the lives of children both in the UK and overseas. It is great to feel you are contributing to the world."

Dr Magnus, a member of Maidenhead Reform Synagogue, has also helped to develop global child health teaching for medical students at the University of Bristol. "I love treating children and my passion is working towards a better world for children who are suffering. I have been focussed on our work in Africa and in promoting the cause of children's rights to a better life for 10 years. This acknowledgement means a great deal. It's very flattering and slightly embarrassing."

Dr Magnus, who grew up in north London and now speaks Luo - the tribal language of Western Kenya - was nominated by his wife Kerri, an A&E sister. The couple met when Dr Magnus was working in her ward at the Royal United Hospital. He was selected as a finalist from more than 600 nominees.