Community networks | Research
From the Military to Medical Research Audrey Dooks' Journey of Pioneering Leadership at UHS
Introduction:
In the captivating chronicle of Audrey Dooks, a remarkable leader at the University Hospital Southampton (UHS), the narrative unfolds from military service to the intricacies of medical research. Audrey's tale serves as an inspiration for those navigating unconventional paths in healthcare, reflecting resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to transformative roles.
Military to Medicine:
Audrey embarked on her journey in 1998, joining the Royal Air Force as a Medical Assistant. Over 15 years, she evolved into a Helicopter Paramedic, facing the challenges of four tours in Iraq, five in Afghanistan, and a deployment in Kosovo on the Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT). Audrey's resilience as a frontline Paramedic, armed with medical expertise and weaponry, was tested in the chaos of conflict zones. Her journey took an unexpected turn after sustaining injuries in Afghanistan, leading to her honourable discharge from the Military.
Transitioning to civilian life, Audrey explored non-medical roles before finding her calling at UHS. Her roles as a ward secretary, admin manager, and office manager reveal a trajectory of adaptability forged in the crucible of Military service.
Audrey is currently the Co-Chair of the UHS Armed Forces Network. The network welcomes all UHS staff to join either as a Serving member, veteran, reservist, from an Armed Forces Family or as an ally.
Its purpose is:
To promote the Armed Forces Covenant within UHS, leading on meeting the requirements of the Defence Employer Recognition scheme to make UHS an employer of choice for veterans, reservists, and forces families in our region.
Uphold the NHS commitment to the Armed Forces and uphold the requirements of our Veteran Aware Accreditation. Provide support for veteran patients when they are admitted to UHS.
A space for staff with shared experiences and commonality a professional and social network in which to provide mutual support.
Lead on the UHS Armed Forces Week promotion and Remembrance Day celebrations.
Building Bridges:
Audrey's transition into the healthcare sector was not without challenges. Her military discipline and leadership background, honed as a paramedic, proved invaluable. Reflecting on this transition, Audrey shares, "Bringing that [leadership experience] into UHS was quite helpful. Being quite a strong character and able to allocate tasks without retribution[DA1] . I find that honesty and integrity are crucial. Being open and adaptable helped me settle back into the medical world."
Her journey reflects honesty and openness as she navigated non-clinical roles despite physical limitations, proving that one's contribution to the medical field is not confined to the frontline.
Research Leaders Programme:
In Audrey's current role as an Office Manager, she oversees Southampton Academy of Research (SOAR) responsibilities and supports the Research Leaders Programme (RLP). Her initiation into the world of research came with a learning curve. "I came into that role without knowledge, and it was a massive learning curve," Audrey recalls.
Audrey's fulfilment lies in supporting individuals in Research, connecting them with mentors, giving advice and offering training to overcome research obstacles. The RLP program, with its inclusive approach, aims to change attitudes towards research, making it accessible to all, not just seasoned researchers. Audrey's words encapsulate her dedication: "It's fulfilling to provide support, connect them with experienced mentors, and offer training and guidance to address their needs."
Closing Thoughts:
Balancing roles between SOAR and RLP comes with unique challenges. Audrey, a part-time worker, acknowledges the trust's flexibility as crucial for maintaining a work-life balance. In her own words, "I don't work full time, which helps the home-work-life balance. The trust is very flexible; I work two days from home and three days in the office."
Weekly catch-ups and meticulous organisation aids Audrey in managing responsibilities efficiently. Her strategic approach to balancing her roles reflects a commitment to both professional growth and personal well-being.
Audrey's pride stems from witnessing the tangible impact of the RLP on individuals and the broader research community at UHS. As the programme progresses, Audrey envisions self-sustainability, with participants securing grants and contributing back to support others. In her words, "By the end of these three years, we hope that participants will have generated enough income from various research projects and grants, funded by the programme, to sustain their own research time."
Looking Forward:
Looking ahead, Audrey aspires to see participants in the RLP generating income from research projects, ultimately making the program self-sufficient. Her vision includes having some financial support from the Trust board to sustain the RLP, ensuring a continuous cycle of support.
As Audrey envisions her future at UHS, she contemplates a move into a more senior managerial role. Her words capture the anticipation: "I would love to stay at SOAR but I’m contemplating a move into a more senior managerial role. I'm torn between project management and senior management but I’m currently attending training courses offered by the trust to help me be the best I can be and while I'm happy in my current role, after 6 years, I feel it's time for me to make a move within the Research and Development arm of the Trust."
Advice and Inspiration:
For those considering a career at UHS, Audrey emphasises adaptability, openness to change, and a willingness to contribute to the team. In her words, "Support each other, and it will lead to great things. If you have a good team behind you, give as much as you take. Always lead by example. My very wise Military Commander once said “Legacy is not what you leave for them, it’s what you leave in them.
Closing the Chapter:
As Audrey envisions her future at UHS, she faces the multitude of opportunities with enthusiasm, ready to embark on the next chapter of her remarkable journey. Her closing words encapsulate the spirit of continuous growth: "My future is within the trust; I just need to decide the path."
Audrey's journey exemplifies the transformative power of resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to making a difference in the world of medical research.
