Celebrating Girls and Women in Science at 4ways
International Day of Girls and Women in Science, which falls on 11th February this year, is a day to celebrate the pioneers who came before us, who paved the way for innovation. The United Nations first proclaimed February 11th as International Day of Girls and Women in Science, sometimes known as Girls in STEM Day, in 2015.
For the last 11 years, we have used this day to show recognition to the contributions that women have made to science, and to encourage the next generation of girls to see science as a safe, welcome space.
Deborah, a pioneer of breast radiology screening, believes that a day not spent learning, is a day wasted. Studying first at Cambridge and then Oxford Universities and then going on to an illustrious career as a radiologist and consultant at Imperial, Deborah has helped to shape countless female doctors’ lives by creating her own undergraduate degree course, authoring research papers, and helping to improve cancer attendance in Breast and Cervical Cancer screening programmes.
As Medical Director for 4ways, Deborah gives a valuable perspective to our team, encouraging us to always look for new ways to improve the way we do things. Her advice to girls and women following in her footsteps is to never give up, and to try and find a good balance between work and domestic life.
Tammy Murchison, our Head of Quality and Clinical Governance, provides strong clinical leadership across the organisation. She drives continuous improvement in every area of our service, ensuring our clients’ patients receive safe, high-quality care and giving our employees confidence that they are working within a well governed, supportive environment.
Tammy’s passion for healthcare and clinical governance stemmed from her time as a radiographer, where she developed a clear understanding of how a single error can have life‑changing consequences, and how she can help to prevent that by introducing innovative quality measures. Bringing her wealth of experience to 4ways, Tammy’s dedication to patient safety is not only admirable, but essential. She believes that education and practical experience are both required for a rewarding career and encourages young women to prioritise apprenticeships and work experience whilst they are studying, so they can continue to pave the way for future advancements in science and healthcare.
Simone Towie, Head of Business Expansion Diagnostics, is a radiographer who developed as a healthcare leader in diagnostics and has led programmes and services including driving reform through community diagnostics centres, modernising services and improving patient experience and outcomes.
Simone tells us that as a female leader in healthcare services, she has learned to lead with purpose, advocate and voice beliefs, accept failures and to continue to expand knowledge. As a keen advocate for developing and lifting others, Simone believes that women in science, health and leadership have been and continue to add value which is to be celebrated. Her advice to other girls and women who are looking to make a career in healthcare is to be inquisitive, gathering knowledge within and outside of scope including external factors that may influence the industry, be open to new opportunities, and learn from things that don’t go to plan, as that is the joy of experience and learning.
Women in science hold great value and it is important to recognise their worth and hold space with it. The joy of Simone’s experience has been the wonderful colleagues over the years that she has had the pleasure to work with and learn from.
It’s vitally important to lift other women, to support them, and here at 4ways we’re proud to say that we have inspirational women at every level of the business, from our interns to our medical director.
On this International Day of Girls and Women in Science, think about how you can help the young girls and women in your life to take up space, to be heard, and to help scientific discovery continue to grow.
of STEM jobs in G20 countries are held by women.
STEM leaders is a woman.