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Our healthcare scientists play a vital role in delivering incredible patient care. This International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we're celebrating some of the incredible women in our healthcare science team who are driving innovation, solving complex problems, and making a real difference in patients' lives.

From breaking barriers to shaping the future of healthcare, these women exemplify what it means to put our patients first and find the best solutions for them.

Nicole, Principal Clinical Scientist (HCPC, MPE, HSS) - Head of QA and Dosimetry

Tell us about some of the work you do and how it impacts patient care? 

I work as the Head of QA and Dosimetry in the Radiotherapy department. I am responsible for ensuring the departments machines are commissioned, maintained, calibrated and continue to operate within expected limits. This includes imaging systems such as CT and CBCT, linear accelerators and our kV therapy machine. I also check individual patient treatment plans to ensure they have been prescribed and created in accordance with clinical protocols and am involved in projects to improve our clinical service. My work helps to ensure the correct radiation dose is delivered to the right location in the patient ensuring treatments are delivered safely and as planned. Good QA programs can directly impact patient outcomes.

What inspired you to work in healthcare science?

I have always loved physics. What inspired me to work in healthcare was realising that I could apply this interest in a way that could directly help people. Healthcare science lets me use physics as a tool to help improve patient treatments and outcomes, which makes my work feel meaningful.

What misconception about women in healthcare science would you like to challenge?

A misconception is that women are less technically capable or simply not naturally suited to physics. I would challenge that as I have seen women excel in the field of medical physics including in highly technical and leadership roles. 

Emma, Biomedical Scientist in Microbiology

Tell us about some of the work you do and how it impacts patient care? 

As a Biomedical Scientist in Microbiology, I analyse a wide range of patient samples, including blood cultures, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), urine samples, and nose and throat swabs (for covid testing). My role involves identifying bacterial growth and species, assessing the level of infection, and determining whether antibiotic sensitivity testing (AST) is required. I interpret AST results to identify which antibiotics are effective and report these findings to clinicians to support appropriate patient treatment. For example, when processing CSF samples from both adults and babies, I assess cell counts and the presence of pathogens. Abnormal results can indicate serious infections such as meningitis, which require urgent treatment. The results I provide are therefore vital in helping clinicians make timely decisions and improve patient outcomes.

 What inspired you to work in healthcare science?

I was inspired to work in healthcare science after experiencing a life-threatening kidney infection as a toddler, which originated from a urinary infection. The Biomedical Scientists involved played a crucial role in identifying the cause of the infection when the clinicians were initially unsure. When I was older, my mum explained this to me, and from that point on I knew I wanted to work as a Biomedical Scientist in Microbiology. This ambition was further reinforced when I completed a week of work experience in a microbiology laboratory. I was fascinated by the wide variety of samples processed and amazed at how such small organisms can have such a significant impact on patient outcomes.

What misconception about women in healthcare science would you like to challenge?

Chantily, Biomedical Scientist in Haematology and Blood Transfusion

Tell us about some of the work you do and how it impacts patient care? 

As a Biomedical Scientist working in Haematology and Transfusion, I provide accurate and timely lab results that directly support patient diagnosis and management. In Transfusion particularly, we ensure the right blood products are provided safely and promptly.

What inspired you to work in healthcare science?

I grew up in a family of nurses, so healthcare was always around me. I wanted to make a difference in people's lives and, since I enjoyed science, working as a Biomedical Scientist felt like the perfect way to combine the interest with making an impact on patient care. 

What misconception about women in healthcare science would you like to challenge?

I'd like to challenge the idea that science is still a male-dominated/led field. Women in healthcare science demonstrate exceptional technical expertise, resilience and leadership everyday. Shout out to our women managers and seniors in the lab.

Amanda, Student Biomedical Scientist in Haematology and Blood Transfusion

Tell us about some of the work you do and how it impacts patient care? 

As a student biomedical scientist in Haematology and Blood Transfusion, I help the biomedical scientists with processing samples and performing manual tests. This impacts patient care by providing results to doctors to help them make clinical decisions which helps patients receive accurate diagnoses. 

What inspired you to work in healthcare science?

I was inspired to work in healthcare science during my GCSEs as the physiology of disease and blood components stood out to me. It's also rewarding knowing that laboratory results which I help produce can help with disease diagnosis to improve patient health.

What misconception about women in healthcare science would you like to challenge?

One misconception about women in healthcare science that I would like to challenge is that women are not good leaders in healthcare science. Women in healthcare science make tough decisions daily and contribute greatly to patient care.

Aquila, Head of Radiotherapy Treatment Planning

Tell us about some of the work you do and how it impacts patient care

In my job, I work with an amazing team to make sure every radiotherapy treatment plan is as safe and effective as possible for our patients. I lead the physics side of treatment planning, support new technologies coming into the department, and help shape the workflows and protocols that keep everything running smoothly. Whether it's commissioning an MR‑Linac, developing QA processes, or coaching colleagues through new techniques, my aim is always the same: to make sure patients get accurate, high‑quality treatments they can trust.

What inspired you to work in healthcare science?

I was drawn to healthcare science because it blends problem‑solving, technology and patient care in such a unique way. Radiotherapy physics especially gives you the chance to combine science with something deeply meaningful—helping people during one of the toughest moments in their lives. Knowing that the work I do behind the scenes directly supports better, safer cancer treatment is what inspires me every day.

What misconception about women in healthcare science would you like to challenge?

One misconception I'd love to challenge is the idea that highly technical or senior physics roles aren't for women. Women are doing incredible, innovative work across healthcare science, and the field is stronger for it. These careers are absolutely open to women, and it's important that we keep making that visible so future scientists can see that leadership and technical expertise are not defined by gender — they're defined by passion, skills and opportunity.