Rita has been a consultant doctor in obstetrics and gynaecology for 15 years and is proud to work within an NHS family supporting women and families,

Why did you choose to work in the NHS?

I am proud to work within an NHS family. I have met so many people from all over the world, both patients and healthcare professionals. I think if I didn’t work in the NHS, this would have not been possible and I feel it is a privilege. 

Tell us about your role? 

I have been a consultant for 15 years and worked in obstetrics and gynaecology for nearly 28 years. My job is a mixture of thinking and practical procedures. It’s also quite of a lot of emergency work and very busy 24/7.

Research has also shaped how we care for women and since the late 1990s, there has beenincreased focus on clinical guidelines and teaching is part of everyday working which is great. 

What do you most enjoy about your role? 

I like interacting with different healthcare professionals and problem solving and the good thing about supporting womens' health is you can meet women over several years.

What would you say to someone thinking about a career in the NHS? 

I really am happy that there are now more specialised roles, particularly for my midwifery colleagues and I envisage obstetrics and gynaecology also becoming separate specialisms in the future to meet the changing needs of the population.

I would encourage junior doctors to consider obstetrics and gynaecology as a specialty, if they enjoy a mixture of medicine and surgery. There have been lots of changes in the years I have worked in healthcare.  Governance processes have formalised, there is increased patient involvement and feedback as well as advances in digital technology including communication, diagnosis and sharing of information.