Healthcare science
Breaking Barriers: Women Leading the Way in Healthcare Science
Healthcare science is at the heart of innovation, shaping the future of patient care through research, technology, and expertise. Across a vast range of specialisms, healthcare scientists play a crucial role in diagnosing diseases, developing life-saving treatments, and driving medical advancements.
But what does it take to thrive in this field? What advice would experienced scientists give their younger selves? And what misconceptions still need to be challenged?
In this blog for Women and Girls in Science day, six inspiring women in healthcare science share their journeys, insights, and hopes for the future. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, their stories offer inspiration, encouragement, and a glimpse into the ever-evolving world of healthcare science.
Chloe Aman, Biomedical Scientist
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your younger self at the start of your journey into healthcare science?
To research the roles available and to choose the right qualifications!
For example, to work as a Biomedical Scientist you need a degree that is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science. Although I don’t regret the route I have taken to get here, it would have been much quicker (and cheaper!) if I had done an accredited Biomedical Science degree.
I would also have advised myself to look at alternative routes to a laboratory career such as a degree apprenticeship which allows laboratory employees to gain the required qualification to progress to a role as a Biomedical Scientist alongside their work in a supporting role such as Associate Practitioner.
If you could change one stereotype or misconception about women in healthcare science, what would it be?
If I could change one Stereotype it would be that you can’t have a successful career with progression without sacrificing other things in your personal life. I enjoy a good work/life balance and spend lots of time with my family. I have three children and have been able to progress in my career after having each of them.
From a Specialist Biomedical Scientist after my first child, to training officer after my second and to Senior Biomedical Scientist and Training Lead after my third. Being a scientist is only one part of who I am and there is plenty of room for other, completely unrelated interests and hobbies!
Regan Doherty, Clinical Scientist and Deputy Head of the Biomedical Imaging Unit
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your younger self at the start of your journey into healthcare science?
If I could go back in time and talk to my younger self, I would tell her to always remain curious and keep asking questions. It is so important to keep your brain stimulated and to always be learning new things for continued development.
I would also tell her not to be afraid and to say yes to new opportunities, as I have done throughout my career. You never know where the experiences will take you and when they may be helpful in the future.
If you could change one stereotype or misconception about women in healthcare science, what would it be?
One misconception I would change about women in healthcare science is that they are less technically skilled than their male counterparts.
We have an amazing, inspiring team of women within the Biomedical Imaging Unit and throughout Pathology who are so talented and just as analytically minded. For example, I am a woman who is good with computers and likes to fix equipment, but I have found in the past that my ideas and thoughts in this area are sometimes not heard.
I think if we can continue to challenge this misconception, we can promote a more inclusive environment that recognises and values the expertise and dedication of all healthcare scientists, regardless of gender.
Jade Collins, Senior Dosimetrist
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your younger self at the start of your journey into healthcare science?
If I was able to go back and give myself some advice, I’d remind myself to ask for help when needed and understand the importance of advocating for myself and patients. I would encourage myself to seek out mentorship and draw on my colleagues’ years of experience. I'd also tell myself that setbacks happen to everyone not to get discouraged by them, use them as an opportunity to demonstrate candour and learn from them.
Finally, it’s important to remember why I initially got into healthcare science, because I care about making a difference.
If you could change one stereotype or misconception about women in healthcare science, what would it be?
I would say that one stereotype that can be damaging to both men and women is the suggestion that women are always more caring and empathetic. This can undermine a male who naturally carries these characteristics looking for careers in a female dominated field; and can lead to the belief that women work in more nurturing jobs in healthcare. Women may be associated with roles with a greater focus on patient care or that may carry more emotional burden as opposed to leadership or science-based roles.
From my own experience, multiple times when I have explained my role in Radiotherapy Physics the assumption is that I come from a nursing background (a career I am happy to accept because they work so hard). However, it demonstrates this misconception clearly, as despite physics being in the title, people don’t register that I am from a STEM background.
Joy Johnson, Advanced Biomedical Scientist
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your younger self at the start of your journey into healthcare science?
My advice to my younger self would be that life really does come together as you take one step at a time.
If you could change one stereotype or misconception about women in healthcare science, what would it be?
I honestly don't acknowledge stereotypes but I know that whoever you are, whatever you set your heart to achieve in any of the fields in science, you are more than able to achieve it.
What excites you most about the future of healthcare science, and why?
Healthcare science is always evolving. When I have the opportunity to work with people who have being in the Biomedical science role for 40 - 50 years, I realise that there have been so many changes between then and now. Including advances in technology, increased diversity in the role, cross-discipline and specialist interaction, the possibilities are endless. Knowing this, the possibilities remain endless as long as priority focus is patients' care and it remains the forefront in the hearts of healthcare scientist
Rebecca Fuga, Healthcare Science Practitioner RPS in Nuclear Medicine
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your younger self at the start of your journey into healthcare science?
If you are starting your journey into healthcare science, I would recommend gaining work experience to allow you to find out more about the role and decide whether it is right for you.
I was fortunate to secure work experience which reinforced my commitment to starting my journey into healthcare science. It gave me the opportunity to develop some transferrable skills, develop my self-confidence, empathy, and respect for others, and gave me the satisfaction of making a difference to patients.
If you could change one stereotype or misconception about women in healthcare science, what would it be?
I was not confident in my ability to study science and was not aware of potential careers, so I chose to study GCSE Single Award Science (biology, chemistry, and physics).
This all changed when I had a teacher who inspired me and made me believe in myself. I then went on to study A Level Physics, a degree in Astrophysics and a Graduate Diploma in Healthcare Science, specialising in Nuclear Medicine.
If you are a woman, feel passionate about science and are considering healthcare science, I would encourage you to believe in yourself.
Shireen Padayachy, Clinical Scientist, Cellular Pathology
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your younger self at the start of your journey into healthcare science?
Just be yourself, Shireen, work hard and seize all the opportunities that feel right to you, even if it doesn’t align with what others expect. Also…go on more holidays!
If you could change one stereotype or misconception about women in healthcare science, what would it be?
Although this is ‘Women in Science Day’, I have actually been fortunate enough that the number of women in my department far outweighs the men—we might need more men! I understand stereotypes and misconceptions exist but I have been fortunate enough to not have experienced that within my 17-year career. Instead, I have been surrounded by strong, passionate women leading in this industry. Through them I have learnt to lead with kindness, set ambitious goals and support my team in achieving them.
From smashing stereotypes to embracing exciting new technologies, these six women are proof that healthcare science is a field full of opportunity, growth, and impact. Their advice? Stay curious, believe in yourself, and never be afraid to carve your own path.
Science needs more brilliant minds—regardless of gender. So if you’re passionate about making a difference, there’s a place for you here.
If their experiences spark your curiosity, why not explore the many career paths available in healthcare science? UHS offers a range of exciting opportunities—find out more here. And if you’re interested in diving deeper into the roles and impact of our healthcare scientists, take a look at our main UHS blog to learn how they’re transforming patient care every day.
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