Spotlight on Health Professional Researchers: Loyiso Mabhena

Loyiso Mabhena started her NIHR INSIGHT Research Masters Studentship in September 2025. These studentships provide a stipend and cover tuition fees to study a research master’s course at King’s or one of our partnering universities. The studentships are aimed at nurses, midwives and professions allied to healthcare. Loyiso is a Sonographer, and she used her INSIGHT Research Masters Studentship to study the Clinical Ultrasound MSc at King’s College London. Last year, her master’s research was recognised with an award from the British Medical Ultrasound Society. Loyiso spoke to us about how her experience on the INSIGHT Programme has solidified her intention to become a clinical academic. 

Can you tell us about your current role, and your career so far?

I currently work as a rotational Sonographer, trained in general ultrasound as well as obstetrics and gynaecology ultrasound. I qualified as a Diagnostic Radiographer in 2021 and then began my ultrasound training in 2024.

I’ve always been passionate about patient rights and women’s health, but that passion really deepened once I started scanning. It’s what prompted me to pursue my master’s, where I’m focusing my research on advocating for better patient autonomy. I am aware that allied health professionals (AHPs) are often underrepresented in the research sphere. I really want to change that narrative by increasing the Sonographer footprint in clinical research, showing that Sonographers have a perspective to bring to the table.

Why did you decide to apply for the INSIGHT Programme?

I’ve always had the aspiration of becoming a Research Sonographer, so when the chance to continue my studies and drive meaningful change arose, it was the only choice that made sense for me. My research has really been a passion project since my PG Cert; that interest only grew during my Diploma year, and I felt I couldn't ignore the potential to turn that work into something meaningful and impactful.

The NIHR INSIGHT Research Masters Studentship was mentioned throughout my training, and it sounded like the perfect fit. The NIHR prioritises research that addresses the needs of patients and the public; this directly aligns with my passions and the drivers of my research, my passion for patient advocacy. The studentship has given me the chance to build a relationship with a research institute that I hope will be alongside me as I navigate a career in research. I’m looking forward to what I hope will be a long and fruitful relationship.

What was your INSIGHT MSc project about?

The project addresses the clinical and cultural barriers that prevent virgin patients from accessing transvaginal ultrasound, the gold standard for pelvic imaging. Despite its diagnostic superiority for conditions like endometriosis and pelvic pain, many clinicians are reluctant to offer this type of scan to this group due to unsubstantiated concerns regarding physical discomfort or cultural sensitivity. This clinical avoidance contradicts national guidelines and creates significant diagnostic delays and health inequalities. To bridge this gap, I developed a five-minute educational video designed to demystify the procedure, dismantle anatomical myths, and clarify patient rights. By replacing outdated paternalistic assumptions with evidence-based facts, this tool aims to empower patients to provide informed consent and ensure equitable access to high quality care, regardless of sexual history.

How have you balanced your research master’s course with your professional role in health and care? Do you have any advice gained from this experience that would be useful for future applicants?

I’ll be honest, it has been difficult. Clinical scanning is physically and mentally draining, so adding an MSc to the mix was definitely a challenge. However, the experience really forced me to master time management and planning. I found that breaking the project down into smaller phases with clear ‘markers of success’ made everything feel much more manageable. What really kept me going was working in the clinical setting while doing the research. Seeing the exact challenges my project aims to address every day on the job fuelled me to work harder in research. If you’re passionate about your work and truly believe in the change you’re trying to make, that carries you through the challenging times.

My advice to future applicants would be to choose a topic you genuinely care about. Think about the changes you want to see in your department or for your patients. If you have that interest, the motivation and discipline will take care of itself and having a supportive teaching team, like the one at King’s, makes all the difference.

How has the INSIGHT Programme impacted you? Has it influenced your career path?

The INSIGHT Programme has been a turning point for me. The programme has provided the structure and the community to see myself as a genuine researcher. It has completely solidified my career path, and I no longer just want to be a Sonographer who does occasional research. I want to be a clinical academic, a Research Sonographer.

A major highlight of this journey was presenting my abstract, 'The use of transvaginal ultrasound for virgo intacta patients: a scoping review,' at the 2025 British Medical Ultrasound Society (BMUS) Annual Scientific Meeting. I was incredibly honoured to receive the award for Best Oral Presentation in the Early Careers segment. That recognition was such an encouraging milestone for me. Being given the platform to share these important conversations has shown me the kind of impact I can have, and I’m grateful that the INSIGHT Programme gave me the foundation to get there.

What will be your next step after completing your NIHR INSIGHT research master’s, and how do you plan to use research as part of your future career?

After I finish my Master’s, my main priority is to keep building on the relationship I’ve developed with King’s and the NIHR. This programme has been such a massive support system for me, and I want to stay connected to that community as I move forward. I plan to continue my research into informed consent and patient autonomy, with the goal of getting my work published and shared more widely. I’m really keen to stay involved in the NIHR, whether that’s through future fellowships or collaborative projects, because I want my career to have that balance of clinical practice and research. I want to take the work I’ve started on informed consent and patient autonomy for virgo intacta patients and turn it into practical, evidence-based guidelines that can be used nationally. I also want to use my experience to promote sonography and encourage more of my colleagues to see research as a viable path. I hope to help bridge the gap for other AHPs and ensure that the Sonographer’s perspective continues to have a seat at the table in clinical research.

What is the most rewarding thing about being a research-active health professional?

The most rewarding part is the shift in perspective. As a Sonographer, you’re often focused on the immediate task in front of you, but being research-active allows you to look at the bigger picture. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that the challenges I see in my clinical practice aren't just things I have to accept, but they’re things I can actively try to change. There is a real sense of empowerment in knowing that my research could improve the experiences for more than just the person currently on my couch. Ultimately, it’s rewarding because it makes my clinical work feel more meaningful. I’m not just identifying problems, I’m actually in a position to help find the solutions.

Is there any support that have you found particularly helpful while navigating your clinical academic career?

The teaching team at King’s have been instrumental in helping me translate my clinical concerns into a structured project. They’ve provided the framework I needed to ensure my research isn't just a passion project, but a piece of work that meets a high professional standard. The encouragement from my clinical colleagues has been a huge boost. Being able to discuss my research with the team I scan alongside every day keeps my work grounded in real clinical practice.

What advice would you give to a health professional who’s looking to get into research?

Just do it because it needs to be done, and you will be the best person for it. As healthcare professionals, we live and breathe healthcare, so no one will know the demands and challenges as you will, and because of that, you’re the best placed person to do it. Do it for yourself and do it for the systems that you can influence and improve.

Finally, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

With the little free time I have, I try to focus on decompressing. I love Pilates because getting out of my head and into my body is the best way to decompress. I am also a MASSIVE shopaholic; there’s very little that a shopping spree can’t fix in my opinion!