International Women's Day: Georgie Blanco on the women who shaped her path in medicine | News

This International Women’s Day, the Clinical Director of Royal Surrey’s Emergency Department, Georgie Blanco, reflects on her journey into medicine and the people who have inspired her along the way.

Georgie was just five years old when she decided she wanted to become a doctor. Living with chronic asthma meant she spent a lot of time in hospital as a child.

“One of my earliest memories is being in hospital and being unable to breathe,” said the mother of two.

“I remember a woman, who my mum told me was a doctor, placing a mask on my face, and suddenly I could breathe again. It felt magical, and from that moment I told my mum that I was going to be a doctor.”

To support herself financially through medical school, Georgie worked as a Healthcare Assistant in a local hospital, a role she credits with shaping the leader she is today.

“I worked under a very influential female consultant during my training who told me to make sure you know how to do every job in your team if you want to lead properly.

“Having worked as an HCA, where you do everything from taking basic observations to helping patients eat, wash, and dress, gave me a unique perspective that still supports me today.”

Emergency Medicine has historically been a male dominated specialty, but it was encountering an all-female led consultant team early in her career that helped set Georgie on her path.

“It was incredibly inspirational,” she said.

“They were all amazing clinicians who led by example and they gave me something to aspire to.

“Emergency Medicine has traditionally had fewer women than other specialties, partly because of the demanding, unpredictable, and shift-based nature of the work. But this group of incredibly capable women showed me that you can combine family life with night shifts and leadership by building a truly supportive network.”

Georgie qualified as a Consultant in 2021 and has since progressed to become the Clinical Director of the Trust’s Emergency Department.

She is passionate about inspiring the next generation of female leaders.

“Another female leader once said to me, ‘Remember who is watching,’ and that has always stayed with me.

“Nothing should stop you doing what you want to do and doing it well. You can build the career you want while also having a family.

“My daughter is watching me, and she knows that Mummy is a doctor who helps people, and she knows that Mummy is a boss.”

This International Women’s Day, we are highlighting the stories of three outstanding women who are leading the way in clinical care. Read more about Olivia Curtis and Jo Macleod by clicking on their names.