International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2025
At University Hospital Southampton, our healthcare scientists play a vital role in delivering world-class 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 Patients First and embody the spirit of #WeAreUHS.
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Regan Doherty
Tell us about some of the work you do and how it impacts patient care?
I use high-powered electron microscopes, each taking up the space of an entire room, to examine patient samples. I mainly use them for kidney biopsies and nasal brushings. These microscopes magnify up to 600,000x - enabling us to get a detailed view inside cells, which in turn, can help us give patients more accurate diagnoses.
What inspired you to work in healthcare science?
I originally wanted to be a vet and have always found science fascinating. After studying forensic science, I discovered an associate practitioner role in biomedical imaging at UHS.
I was told at interview I was "very enthusiastic about microscopes!" (I know, what a nerd!) Ten years later, I love what I do.
It’s been a fantastic career journey, where I can do what I love and help people at the same time.
What misconception about women in healthcare science would you like to challenge?
The idea that women 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 incredibly talented and just as analytically minded. I’d love to see even more recognition of the technical skills women bring to the table - ensuring all voices are heard and valued in areas like technology and equipment maintenance for example. Challenging this misconception will help create a more inclusive environment that celebrates the contributions of all healthcare scientists, regardless of gender.
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Jade Collins
Tell us about some of the work you do and how it impacts patient care?
I work alongside oncologists, radiographers, and physicists to calculate radiation doses for cancer treatment, ensuring precise targeting to minimise side-effects.
I also work on quality assurance, making sure treatment machines function accurately and safely for our patients.
What excites you about the future of healthcare science?
The accuracy of treatments is improving rapidly, leading to better patient outcomes and fewer side-effects. New technology is also helping us to find solutions that are less invasive, traumatic or longwinded for patients.
Finally, increased screening will also help detect diseases earlier, making treatments more effective.
What’s a common misconception about women in healthcare science that you’d like to challenge?
The idea that women are naturally more suited to caring or nurturing roles in healthcare. While empathy is an important quality, it’s not exclusive to women, and this stereotype can unintentionally discourage men from pursuing careers in female-dominated fields. It can also reinforce the belief that women are more likely to work in patient-facing roles rather than leadership or technical science-based positions.
I’d love to see greater recognition of the diverse roles women hold across all areas of healthcare science.
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Chloe Aman
Tell us about some of the work you do and how it impacts patient care?
I work in blood transfusion, ensuring safe, timely transfusions. As a training lead, I also teach staff to maintain high standards, so patients get consistently high-quality care.
I also run Harvey’s Lab Tours, helping young patients get a look ‘behind the scenes’, as well as helping them to better understand their blood tests. It helps to engage these patients in their care and reduces anxiety.
What advice would you give women and girls just starting their healthcare science journey?
Research your options early - an accredited Biomedical Science degree or a degree apprenticeship can provide a quicker, more affordable route into the field.
What’s a common misconception about women in healthcare science that you’d like to change?
That career progression means sacrificing your personal life. I’ve built a successful career while maintaining a strong work-life balance. After each of my three children, I progressed - becoming a specialist biomedical scientist after my first, a training officer after my second, and now a senior biomedical scientist and training lead after my third.
Being a scientist is just one part of who I am - there’s plenty of room for family, hobbies, and interests outside of work!
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Joy Johnson
Tell us about some of the work you do and how it impacts patient care?
As part of a major trauma centre, I provide blood products for critical patients, including trauma and oncology cases, ensuring safe, timely transfusions.
What excites you about the future of healthcare science?
Having the opportunity to work with people who have being in biomedical science for 40 or 50 years, helps you realise how many changes there has already been!
Advancements in technology, increased diversity, and cross-disciplinary collaboration are transforming the field. As long as we keep the primary focus on patient care, the possibilities for improving it are endless.
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.
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Rebecca Fuga
Tell us about some of the work you do and how it impacts patient care?
I administer small amounts of radioactive material to diagnose and treat disease. Nuclear medicine provides different and valuable information to other imaging techniques, but some patients can be worried about the radiation, so I focus on communicating with them and giving them the very best care we can.
What advice would you give women and girls just starting their healthcare science journey?
Gain work experience early to build confidence and develop transferable skills.
Work experience also helped me develop empathy, and respect for others, and gave me the satisfaction of making a difference to patients.
What would you say to young women and girls in science who are lacking self-confidence?
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.
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Shireen Padayachy
Tell us about some of the work you do and how it impacts patient care?
I dissect and analyse specimens, particularly in gynaecological pathology, helping to diagnose and stage cancers. I also oversee our department’s digital pathology rollout, with exciting potential for the integration of artificial intelligence (AI).
What inspired you to work in healthcare science?
I didn’t initially set out for a career in healthcare science - it was a suggestion from my college careers advisor to explore biomedical science at university. By chance I spotted an advert in the Daily Echo for a trainee biomedical scientist. The role intrigued me enough to arrange a tour of the laboratory.
Seeing science in action and meeting the team that day left me feeling truly inspired, and I knew I wanted to be part of it.
What’s a common misconception about women in healthcare science that you’d like to change?
Although this is International Women and Girls in Science Day, the number of women in my department actually far outweigh 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.
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These inspiring women are shaping the future of healthcare science. Their work, dedication, and passion are vital to improving patient care, and we’re proud to celebrate them this International Women and Girls in Science Day.
If you’re interested in finding out more about healthcare science roles at UHS, visit our careers site.
For more general information about working in healthcare science, see the 'in the news' box near the top right of this page.