What did you study at A-level (or equivalent) and why did you select those subjects?
Biology, because I found it fascinating and wanted to study human biology. I was less enthusiastic about Chemistry but was advised that it would go well with Biology and I knew I wanted to continue to work in science in my future career. I also studied French as I wanted to be fluent so I could travel around France in a campervan! I enjoyed having this subject as an escape from the science corridor too.
What degree/PhD did you study?
I studied Medicine at the University of Liverpool. After my 4th year I undertook an intercalated Masters of Research degree in clinical sciences and translational medicine. I have just completed a PhD on a gynaecological condition, adenomyosis, during which I studies the pathogenesis of the condition and identified potential new treatments.
What inspired you to choose and study your degree subject?
During my undergraduate medical degree, I discovered my passion for obstetrics and gynaecology. I was drawn to this field because of its variety, fast-paced nature, and its focus on women’s health. I wanted to work in a specialty that truly empowers women, supporting their health and wellbeing at every stage of life.
While pursuing my intercalated master’s degree, I became acutely aware of the significant gaps in funding and research in women’s health. This opened my eyes to the pressing need for deeper understanding in areas like the reproductive system and the endometrium. I wanted to dedicate my career to addressing these gaps, particularly in understanding conditions such as adenomyosis and endometriosis. My ultimate goal is to contribute to advancing knowledge in this field and improving how we manage these conditions, so that women everywhere can receive the care they deserve.
What key skills did you learn at university?
My medical degree was essential in helping me develop the core skills needed to become a doctor, such as clinical reasoning, communication, and problem-solving. During my master’s in research, I gained a deeper understanding of how to critically evaluate research gaps, ask meaningful questions, and apply experimental techniques to find answers. It taught me to appreciate the immense effort behind published research and groundbreaking discoveries, even though I didn’t achieve any major findings myself during my master’s.
Through this experience, I learned resilience in the face of challenges within science. I discovered the importance of being methodical and realised that research isn’t just about achieving statistically significant results—it’s about the process, the quality of the work, and the contribution you make to advancing knowledge as part of a larger scientific community. These lessons have shaped my approach to both research and medicine.
What jobs have you had during your career?
I began my career with an academic foundation programme, completing six rotations, including an academic block where I gained research experience in a laboratory at Liverpool Women’s Hospital. I then started specialty training in obstetrics and gynaecology, and in my second year, I took on an academic clinical fellowship, splitting my time between clinical work (75%) and protected research time (25%) over three years. During this fellowship, I developed preliminary data and skills that enabled me to successfully apply for a clinical research training fellowship on my second attempt. This allowed me to undertake a PhD funded by the MRC, focusing on adenomyosis, which I completed in 2024. Currently, I am working as a clinical lecturer in obstetrics and gynaecology—a four-year role where I divide my time equally between clinical practice and research, continuing to focus on advancing gynaecological research.
What is your current job and what do you enjoy about it?
I am currently an NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, a four-year position that allows me to split my time equally between clinical work and academic research. My clinical responsibilities include gynaecology clinics, surgery, emergency services, antenatal care, and emergency obstetrics. The academic portion of my role focuses on expanding my research in women’s health, applying for funding, and developing as an independent researcher.
One of the aspects I enjoy most about my job is collaborating with like-minded researchers and clinicians who share my passion for advancing women’s health. I’m also dedicated to breaking down barriers around discussing important topics in this field. To support this, I co-host a podcast called Between 2 Ovaries with colleagues Nicola Tempest, Lorna Salvini, and Eleanor Bristow. Through the podcast, we tackle subjects like miscarriage, infertility, and contraception in a way that is both accurate and accessible. This work allows me to combine my clinical expertise with public engagement to make a meaningful impact.
Do you have an area of expertise / research?
My area of expertise and research focuses on the human endometrium and its associated diseases. The endometrium is a remarkable tissue that lines the uterus, undergoing cyclical shedding and regeneration each month. Despite its importance, we still don’t fully understand why humans menstruate. When this process goes wrong, it can lead to debilitating symptoms like chronic pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and reduced fertility, often caused by conditions such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, and fibroids.
My research is particularly focused on adenomyosis—understanding why it forms and finding better ways to treat it. Currently, treatments are limited to symptom management with hormonal therapies or hysterectomy, neither of which modify the disease itself or are suitable for all women. My goal is to advance our understanding of this condition and develop more effective, targeted treatments that improve outcomes for those affected.
What has been your most exciting project or career role?
The most exciting project in my career so far has been my MRC-funded Clinical Research Training Fellowship. This three-year opportunity allowed me to focus entirely on research, diving deeply into the condition of adenomyosis. I applied an advanced laboratory technique called spatial transcriptomics, which provided invaluable insights into why adenomyosis lesions develop. Additionally, I learned how to grow a lab-based model of an adenomyosis lesion using patient-derived cells. This model enables us to study how the condition responds to potential new treatments, paving the way for more targeted and effective therapies in the future.
What are your top tips for working in your industry/sector?
- Be passionate about your area of interest and truly believe in the importance of your work—enthusiasm is key to driving progress.
- Build a strong support network, including a supportive supervisor, and collaborate with people who share your excitement and commitment to your field.
- Stay open to new opportunities and be flexible with your career path—sometimes unexpected experiences can lead to growth and success.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Keep showing up, learning, and applying yourself, even when things don’t go as planned. In research, it can be disheartening to spend months or years on a project and not get the results you hoped for. But persistence is key—you’ll get to where you want to be, even if the path looks different from what you initially expected!
Why are you passionate about your subject / career / STEM?
I’m passionate about women’s health research because it has been chronically underfunded and underrecognised, despite its vital importance. Women make up 51% of the population, and everyone’s life begins in a uterus. Understanding diseases that impact women’s health and quality of life is essential—not just for women, but for society as a whole.
It’s essential to break the stigma surrounding topics like periods, period pain, pregnancy, menopause, and other conditions often labelled as “women’s issues,” because they affect us all, directly or indirectly. Women’s health research urgently needs more funding and recognition to improve our understanding and management of conditions that impact so many lives. This is a field where meaningful change can truly make a difference.
Find out more about Alison, and keep up to date with her work on:
Instagram: @between2ovaries
Between2Ovaries Podcast on Spotify: Listen here