International Women's Day: Celebrating Respiratory Leader Olivia Curtis | News

This International Women’s Day, we’re recognising some of the women whose leadership helps shape and strengthen our Trust.

Olivia Curtis is the joint Clinical Director of Royal Surrey’s Respiratory team, a role she stepped into at the beginning of the year.

She describes medicine as a family business. Her grandfather was an orthopaedic surgeon and, although no one in the next generation pursued healthcare, his influence eventually inspired two doctors, a midwife and a nurse within the family.

“It was what I always wanted to do,” said the mother of two.

“It made school and career planning very easy.”

During her first year working as a doctor in a large London teaching hospital, Olivia found herself surrounded by women who left a lasting impression.

“I was in my first year of postgraduate training when I met some truly inspiring women working in respiratory medicine,” she said.

“They were ambitious, they knew exactly what they wanted and how they were going to get there. I’ve been very fortunate to have colleagues who championed me throughout my journey.”

When the time came to choose a specialty, Olivia was torn between palliative care, acute medicine and respiratory, eventually choosing respiratory because it brought together many of the areas she felt most passionate about.

“I’m a consultant now and I’m very fortunate to have the flexibility to work around having a young family. Training is hard for everyone, but I know many trainees worry about balancing training with wanting a family and when the right time might be.

“The truth is there is no perfect time, but you can do it and still progress in your career.”

Olivia says she has drawn inspiration from many strong female leaders, including former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her collaborative approach to leadership during the pandemic.

“My leadership style is very much collaborative,” Olivia said.

“I know from experience that people respond better to that and it’s something I’m incredibly passionate about.”

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 Georgie Blanco and Jo Macleod by clicking on their names.