Julia, Doctor
What did you want to be when you grew up?
It’s cheesy but 100% true, I have always wanted to be a doctor. I remember thinking this when I was quite young in primary school and then chased that goal with serious determination throughout my academic journey. I was so drawn to the idea of developing a specialist skill that can be used in a tangible way to make people feel better and feel happier. I was also very intellectually stimulated by human biology so a career in medicine felt like the best fit.
What do you want most in the future?
I want to feel fulfilled. To me that means I want to feel like I’ve embraced living life, I’ve grown intellectually, I’ve nurtured my offspring and that I’ve positively impacted my surroundings so that I leave a legacy behind that I can be proud of.
What’s been your biggest achievement to date?
Without a doubt bringing another human being into the world. The moment I gave birth to my daughter every other thing that I had ever achieved prior to that point paled into insignificance. I felt honoured to have experienced the strength and miracle involved in creating human life. It still blows my mind.
What’s your advice to other women/girls?
Do not be silenced. Find your voice and take up space. We sadly continue to live in a world where the power imbalance places girls and women at a significant disadvantage. This is compounded if you are a girl from a disempowered ethnic background. Recognise that but don’t accept it. Be unapologetic in your desire and determination to maximise your potential and your opportunities.
What does it mean being a black woman in your industry?
It means constantly battling stereotyped assumptions but it also means feeling like a trailblazer. As a Black female doctor, it is very rare for me to walk into a room (even with my stethoscope around my neck) and for the patient to rightly assume that I am the doctor. It is far more likely that they will assume I am a nurse or a cleaner. Even after I correct them! So yes, there is more work to be done to normalise being a Black female doctor in the UK.
What school did you go to?
This isn’t a straightforward answer. I moved around a bit as a child and I feel very fortunate to have had a varied school experience. I have experienced going to a state school as well as a boarding school, I have attend school in the UK and abroad. At one point I went to a bilingual school where half of my lessons were taught in English and the other half in French. I’ve really benefited from a rich educational experience and I’m so thankful I had parents who really prioritised this.
What is the most important thing in the world to you?
The happiness of my child(ren). The job I care the most about being successful in is that of being a mother. It feels like the most important responsibility I hold and I want to know I gave it my best.