First of all, congratulations on your award! How do you feel?
Thank you. It’s sort of strange because I knew Nikki for over 20 years and I ended up with a medal in memory of her.
Briefly, tell us about your background and career up to this point?
I am a Consultant Nurse in Endocrinology with over 25 years of experience in clinical practice. I set up my current endocrine and diabetes service about 22 years ago in the independent practice. I was a nurse committee member for Society for Endocrinology and European Society for Endocrinology. I am currently the President for Federation of International Nurses in Endocrinology (F.I.N.E), which is a consortium of senior endocrine nurses across the globe. We collaborate with International Society for Endocrinology to advance the training and development of endocrine nurses across the globe, especially in developing countries.
What has your experience of doing PhD at King’s been like?
It has been a rollercoaster, enjoyable and intellectually invigorating. Working and studying is not easy. There is also the delicate act of balancing my clinical knowledge while applying my research lens to ensure my study is balance, coherent and credible.
What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?
Be yourself, love yourself, do something you are good at and find positivity in your life. Most importantly, be kind to yourself and generous to others.
What are your hopes for the future?
Finish my PhD. Lay the foundation for others to build on what I have accomplished. Spend more time in research and nurture the next generation of endocrine nurses.
What do you think people would find most surprising about you?
I was born in the year of the snake, we are a secretive and elusive creature and do not like to reveal ourselves too much.
Quick-fire...
What are your favourite films?
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, and In the Mood for Love.
Describe yourself in three words…
Friendly, enthusiastic, headstrong.
Your biggest inspiration?
London my is biggest inspiration. I love this city; its parks, its streets and my work.
One thing you could not go a day without:
My bicycle. I cycle everywhere and even on my day off I like to get out.