International Women’s Day is a day dedicated to recognising the impact, resilience, and achievements of women everywhere, and here at Direct Medics, we’re proud to share with you some truly inspiring women from within our own company. 

To help celebrate this day, we’re shining a spotlight on two remarkable women who are at the core of what we do. Hear from two compassionate healthcare professionals delivering exceptional care on the front lines every single day.  

In the profiles below, you’ll read their stories and hear in their own words as they reflect on their journeys thus far, challenges they’ve faced, and what it means today to be a woman working in healthcare. 

👉 To read the staff profiles, please click here: The Women of Direct Medics: Staff Profiles

Profile 1

What’s the most rewarding part of what you do? 

In acute medicine we are often the team telling someone about a new diagnosis for the first time, we see a lot of new cancers and it’s a difficult conversation to have with someone. I find it really rewarding when this conversation is done well, I think it’s such an art form. To be able to communicate with someone accurately but kindly, to show them comfort and compassion on what could be worst day of their life, to be able to answer their questions and show them support. I think that’s a really special thing.  

What does International Women’s Day mean to you? 

International Women’s Day, to me, means that we still have a long way to go. I wish we lived in a time where women felt celebrated, or at least respected, every day. I think it’s an important time for everyone to reflect on why this day is important and what they can do to help make the changes that would see a brighter future for women in every role, everywhere.  

What three words or traits do you associate with being a woman? 

Independence, tenacity, resilience. 

What challenges do you think women face working in healthcare today? 

I think women in healthcare face changes daily. I, myself, have had to deal with not being taken seriously as a woman, being spoken over during consultations. Being called “Lydia” while my male colleagues are introduced as “Dr. Surname.” I have introduced myself as a doctor to a patient, carried out a full examination and history, explained the diagnosis and plan, and still been asked when the “real doctor” will be coming. I have been at a patient’s bedside with a male medical student and have been looked over as the patient asked the medical student questions and called him “doctor.” I have been spoken down to, called pet names and held by the waist by male consultants. Yes, we are now seeing equality in the numbers of male and female doctors, but we are not seeing equity in how we are treated by and within this workforce. 

What advice would you give to a woman starting her first medical role? 

Pave the way for the women coming after you. I have been very fortunate to work alongside some incredible women, in a range of roles in the hospital. I have learned things from all of them that have helped me discover the type of doctor I would like to be. I have learned how to set boundaries with colleagues, I have learned how to be assertive yet kind and most importantly, I’ve learned how to be supportive. 

Finish this sentence: Being a woman in healthcare means being an advocate for women when they require healthcare (gender-based health inequities are very real)! 

Profile 2

What’s the most rewarding part of what you do? 

Being directly involved in patient’s care to provide a positive impact. I think the most rewarding part of my role is being able to witness patients’ condition improving while receiving care on the ward, to then being discharged and thanking the team for their input. Receiving positive feedback from patients really does mean a lot to me.  

I find building therapeutic relationships with both patients and colleagues, to advocating for patients during vulnerable times in their life is a rewarding part of my role as a nurse.  

What does International Women’s Day mean to you? 

International Women’s Day provides a chance to reflect and recognise women’s accomplishments over time and appreciate these contributions that have been made for the progress in equality and healthcare. Within nursing, Florence Nightingale played a direct role in implementing positive change for the profession. Due to this legacy, she continues to be a role model for everyone in the nursing profession today and her achievements should be remembered on International Women’ Day.  

What three words or traits do you associate with being a woman? 

Caring, compassionate and resilient.  

What challenges do you think women face working in healthcare today? 

Maintaining a healthy work life balance.  

What advice would you give to a woman starting her first nursing role? 

Grab each opportunity that crosses your path – you only miss the shots you don’t take. 

Ask questions – there really is no such thing as a stupid question, so ask questions from the start and regularly. 

In a caring profession, we give kindness and care to everyone but don’t forget to be kind to yourself.  

Finish this sentence: Being a woman in healthcare means switching off from your own life every shift to give gold standard compassionate care to patients. Then going home to be a mother, a wife, a sister, a daughter, a niece, an aunt, a best friend and a good neighbour.