This International Women’s Day we want to celebrate the achievements of women across the NHS, especially our colleagues.

Among them is Roopa Nair, who, having already fought her way into the male dominated field of surgery, found she had to prove herself again when training to become a robotic surgeon just two years ago.

Under Roopa’s leadership, our Trust was one of the first in the country to use robotic surgery in urogynaecology, treating a range of conditions including incontinence and vaginal prolapse.

She said:

I have had to work twice as hard to prove my competence, and navigated situations where I was not taken seriously. I think there is a subconscious misogyny across our society, and it’s not just from men. When colleagues have a complex patient, they call a male surgeon; it’s not deliberate, it’s just there. And when I went to see a patient I would be operating on and told them I was their surgeon, she looked me up and down and said, ‘you?’

Robotic surgery is my passion, so I was determined I was going to do it, and I love seeing the difference it makes to patients, getting them home the same day or soon after, and then hearing how much better they are.

Robotic assisted surgery is when a surgeon sits at a computer console to control a robot, which uses small incisions, surgical instruments, and a camera. It gives more precision and a greater range of movement. Above, Roopa prepares the robot for surgery.

Below, Roopa controls the robot to operate on a patient.

Among Roopa’s proudest achievements is securing accreditation from the British Society of Urogynaecology for our unit, first in 2017 and we were reaccredited in 2023; as well as being recognised by NHS England as a specialist centre for carrying out complex operations in 2025.

She added:

I was really proud of it because I don’t think anyone thought we could do it – it was a really long journey and lots of hard work.

That and the progress we’ve been able to make in our department with robotic surgery I count among my biggest achievements.

Roopa didn’t set out to become a surgeon. Growing up in India, she was the first in her family to go into medicine, hoping she could help make a difference. It was her first placement in obstetrics and gynaecology which ignited her interest in surgery.

In the first week I saw operations and babies being delivered and decided I wanted to work in gynaecology as there was a good mix of operating and medicine as well. It was an instant decision.

It’s fitting that Roopa - who first worked at our Trust as a registrar in 2007 and 2010, before returning as a consultant in 2011 - is keen to do everything she can to encourage female surgeons.

She added:

I’m passionate about encouraging others, giving them the tools, mentoring and support. I often have colleagues from other units observing my cases, particularly as not many do urogynaecology procedures robotically. Sometimes all it takes is some slight upskilling, by having someone support you through the first few cases.

My advice to other women wanting to become surgeons is to not let others make you doubt yourself. Believe in yourself and be determined, there is no glass ceiling we cannot break.

Above, Roopa and a colleague prepare a patient for robotic surgery, below, the robot at work.