International Day of Women and Girls in Science - Interview with Vanesha Ramasamy
Over the past 15 years, the global community has made a lot of effort in inspiring and engaging women and girls in science. Yet women and girls continue to be excluded from participating fully in science. At present, less than 30 per cent of researchers worldwide are women.
Long-standing biases and gender stereotypes are steering girls and women away from science related fields. In order to achieve full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls, and further achieve gender equality and th e empowerment of women and girls, the United Nations General Assembly declared 11 February as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
We spoke to Vanesha Ramasamy, Lead Nurse for Rheumatology at Whipps Cross Hospital about how a career in clinical research led her to where she is today, despite cultural challenges on views about women travelling abroad for an education at the time.
What is your role and what does your day to day look like?
I have been employed in the NHS for 18 years and I am currently Lead Nurse for Rheumatology. I provide daily clinical supervision, leadership to our specialist nurses and support to our entire team. I see patients in clinics and ensure that their needs are met. I make sure that the multidisciplinary virtual clinic runs smoothly and that patients are started on medication safely. I also complete musculoskeletal assessments for rheumatology clinical trials. I continuously strive for service improvements and ensure that our processes are working effectively.
What made you decide on a career in research?
When I was growing up in Mauritius my Dad worked for a pharmaceutical company and I was always surrounded by chemistry books which fuelled my interest in science. After I qualified as a nurse, I pursued my research interests by completing a degree in Pharmaceutical Science. I then became a Sister in Emergency Medicine where I was presented with the opportunity to develop a portfolio of research studies via a new research facility across most specialties; surprisingly, Rheumatology was not one of the specialties, so this is what interested me to take on a role in Rheumatology as a clinical research nurse. I have always been interested in how development and research can affect patients.
What did you do before your role here at Whipps Cross?
I grew up in Mauritius where I completed my A Levels and then decided to come to the UK for University where I achieved my Diploma in Nursing. I come from a close knit family and was the first woman in my family to travel for education, so this was a big step for me. My Dad encouraged me to fly the nest and my family in the UK were very supportive, although some members of my family were not welcoming of this decision at first. I’m glad I made that decision and that I decided to stay.
How does your role benefit patients?
My role ensures that the service remains safe and efficient. It helps to ensure that patients’ needs are met and that they receive the right treatment. Research and development within my role ensures that we are continuously evaluating the quality of work we deliver and implementing improvements where required.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
For me it’s always been about the patient contact. When I worked in emergency medicine, I found that I was only with patients for a short amount of time, but this meant that I met lots of different and interesting people. Working within clinical research, I got to spend more time with patients and build up a relationship with them. Some have seen me go from a single woman to getting married and having children. I am always glad to help and listen to their queries.
What is your proudest career achievement so far?
My proudest achievement was obtaining my Masters in Clinical Research and Management. I completed the programme at Imperial and I was one of only a few nurses who were granted a place on the course. I completed my exams while I was nine months pregnant and gave birth two weeks later!
What do you consider the biggest challenge in your area of work?
Meeting expectations can sometimes be challenging. Giving a good experience at every point of contact is what I strive for.
Do you have any role models?
I have had various role models throughout my life. Some of these have been my managers and mentors as they have been supportive, given me advice and instilled their values. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. Also my family have been great role models, particularly as most of them have worked in healthcare so we share similar values.
What would you say to women and girls considering a career in science?
Follow your dreams. Although we are living in a modern world, there still isn’t enough equality between males and females. Women are still not given enough opportunity to do what they want to do. It’s proven that women can achieve just as good results as men working in science, so they should be encouraged to do so.
How would you spend an ideal day off?
The last Christmas day I had was my ideal day off. I had a walk in the forest with my family, we played board games and relaxed with our feet up. Family time is so important to me.
Tell us something surprising about yourself.
I am a professional table tennis player. I played nationally for Mauritius and regionally for Whipps Cross.