Marking International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Healthscope’s Chief Medical Officer, Associate Professor Victoria Atkinson reflects on her experience as a women in science, and on what healthcare organisations like Healthscope can do to support today’s purpose of promoting full and equal access to, and participation in, science for women and girls. #InternationalDayofWomenandGirlsinScience #WomenandGirlsinScience #science #health

 

You are our CMO, a Cardiothoracic Surgeon, and recently added an Associate Professorship to your CV. How would you describe your journey as a woman in science?

When I was at school, I knew no limits. I was taught to follow my curiosity; it was an incredible gift. But that also meant no one showed me the limits others night try to place around me and the assumptions people would make about me being in science and medicine and ultimately surgery.

I didn’t know science would be gendered.

For a long time I did follow my curiosity in science, medicine and eventually cardiac surgery. I was fascinated by surgery and the impact I could have on people’s lives through science.

On leaving university I realised how few women were doing what I wanted to do. It didn’t bother me, but other people kept pointing out the reasons why they thought women shouldn’t do surgery, and some of those people were in the position to propagate the status quo.

But through determination and the support of mentors, both men and women, I found my way through to one of the most fulfilling and challenging scientific fields.

At times being a novelty in my area has been exhausting and sometimes it has driven me, but most of all I hope that it has, in some small way made other girls follow their curiosity and I strive to pay it forward; show young women that they can follow it in their own way and to show young men the value of that diversity in science.

 

Thinking back over your career, what advice would you give to your younger self if you could go back in time?

To never doubt the contribution you can make, even when your voice is different to those around you. But also to not become so caught up in forging a path, leading the charge, that you forget the reason you started out.

 

What can Healthscope do as an organisation to better promote women in science?

In health, we have a largely female workforce and we need to showcase the diversity in that workforce; how many different ways there are to be a woman in the health sciences.

Healthscope demonstrates infinite possibilities for women and it is our job to challenge the assumptions women and girls are making about themselves and their own possibilities … and limits. Healthscope must be always vigilant that we don’t inadvertently create barriers to women who want to explore science and health.