The London Clinic celebrates International Women’s Day

Q: Why did you choose medicine and health care as a profession?

A: It was an interest and curiosity in how the human body works and wanting to contribute to society in a meaningful way.

Q: How did you choose your speciality?

A: I knew that I would be a surgeon very early on as a medical student. Urological surgery was part of my core surgical training. I loved the patient mix – we look after all genders and all ages – the surgery is varied from open and endoscopic to robotic. We utilise the latest technology, and I am proud to say that urological surgeons were one of the first to develop robotic techniques and put them into practice.

Q: Does new tech excite you in healthcare?

A: Yes, very much so. We are living in a very exciting time. AI and robotic technologies are developing at a very fast pace. Being able to utilise this new technology and deliver diagnostics and procedures that are precise and improved compared to older techniques ultimately leads to better patient outcomes.

Q: You were the first female surgeon to use the latest robotic platform for prostate surgery, Hydros in Europe…amazing!

A: My specialty is still very male dominated, there is a need for change, and I hope to inspire new generations of female surgeons. Being at the forefront of innovation and the use of the latest technology is hugely important to me. So when the new Hydros machine arrived, I made sure I was the first urological surgeon in Europe to get training on it and was the first female urologist to treat patients with it.

Hydros is the latest Robotic System utilising an innovative AI-platform for Aquablation – which is a procedure that uses a heat-free waterjet to treat lower urinary tract symptoms due to an enlarged prostate.

Q: Was there a role model who inspired you?

A: There are many, but if I had to name one female surgical role model, then I should mention a paediatric urological surgeon Miss Su-Anna Boddy. She was very involved with the surgical society at my medical school. She was encouraging and allowed me to cut one of her surgical stitches and to try her surgical loupes (glasses). I thought she had the best job in the world. Seeing her patients recover quickly after surgery was very rewarding. This was when I knew that a future in surgery is the right career choice for me.

Q: Can you talk about some of your teaching work – and why it matters?

A: We very much have a responsibility to share knowledge and to educate new generations of doctors and surgeons. I have always taken my academic and educational role seriously.

I am the deputy divisional tutor at UCL Medical School where I also work in supporting our students. Looking after trainees and helping them develop is one of the most rewarding aspects of being in our profession. As mentioned above, surgical specialties are still male dominated, especially at consultant level. I would love to see that change so that there is a better balance. Our patients also sometimes prefer to have options as to who they see in terms of gender.

Q: Can you talk about some challenges? Some of the lows and highs?

A: The highs – I love what I do, and I cannot imagine that there is a better job out there. When you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like a job and seeing patients thrive is extremely rewarding. It is the greatest privilege of my life to be able to look after my patients but also my students and trainees and contribute to their development.

The challenges are mostly related to our current health care system within the NHS and not always being able to offer the care that one would want for patients. The waiting lists for both appointments and operating lists in the NHS can be long. Seeing patients suffer as a consequence can be disheartening.

Q: What would you say to young girls/women looking to get into surgery?

A: It is the best and most rewarding job in the world.

Thank you to all of the incredible women in The London Clinic workforce who play a role in the treatment and care of our patients.

Find out more about Robotics Centre of Excellence.