As we mark International Women’s Day, this year’s theme “Give to Gain” highlights the power of reciprocity in advancing women and expanding opportunity. When individuals, organisations, and communities give, they multiply access, confidence, and possibility. When women thrive, we all rise.
In this interview, Dr Sarah Ann Filson, Consultant in Infectious Diseases and Microbiology and a Role Model with Urban Synergy, shares how mentorship and collaboration shaped her career, the barriers young women still face, and why giving back is essential to creating lasting change.
Tell us about your role and professional background.
I’m a doctor specialising in infectious diseases and microbiology at London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, and I’ve been practicing medicine for around 12 years. Alongside my clinical work, I also teach medical students and support training for resident doctors.
Outside of the hospital, I’m passionate about giving back. I volunteer with Urban Synergy, serve as a school governor, and take part in other charitable and mentoring work. Supporting the next generation is something that’s really important to me.
How long have you been volunteering with Urban Synergy and how did you get involved?
It’s probably been more than five years now. Definitely since before the pandemic. I initially got involved through role model events where professionals speak to young people about their careers.
Since then, I’ve continued supporting different Urban Synergy activities whenever I can. I really value the opportunity to share experiences and hopefully encourage young people to consider paths they might not otherwise have thought about.
This year’s theme is “Give to Gain.” What does that mean to you personally?
It’s an interesting theme because when you give your time or resources, the intention isn’t usually to gain something in return.
For me, giving has always been about paying forward the support I received from others. It’s something my parents and my community modelled growing up; helping others because it’s the right thing to do.
That said, when you give your time and energy, you naturally gain a lot as well. You learn new things, develop transferable skills, and gain a deeper understanding of other people’s experiences. So while the motivation may not be personal gain, it does bring a lot of growth and perspective.
Can you share a moment in your career where someone’s generosity changed your trajectory?
Yes, there was a really pivotal moment early in my career when I was still a trainee.
I was working with the Royal Society of Medicine at the time and a senior female vascular surgeon suggested that I apply to become a trustee. At first, I felt it was far beyond me. I wasn’t sure what I could really contribute as a trainee.
But she encouraged me and introduced me to the previous Dean of the Royal Society of Medicine, and they both supported my nomination. I ended up being appointed to the board.
It was an incredible experience. I worked alongside the executive team and was involved in important strategic decisions, particularly during the pandemic. It broadened my perspective significantly, and I even had opportunities like meeting Prince William and going to a garden party at Buckingham Palace during my time on the board.
I’m incredibly grateful that someone saw potential in me before I could see it myself.
What did you have to “give” early in your career, before you felt you had much to offer?
Like many people starting out, I definitely experienced imposter syndrome. It can feel like you don’t have much to contribute yet.
What I realised was that the most valuable things I could give early on were time and patience.
Medicine requires a lot of learning through experience. Spending time on the wards, seeing patients, and learning from more senior colleagues. Giving that time and commitment allowed me to build the knowledge and skills that I now pass on to colleagues.
How has investing in others strengthened your leadership?
It’s really shaped my leadership style. I tend to lead in a very collaborative way.
I rely heavily on the strengths of the people around me and try to create an environment where everyone contributes their ideas and expertise. When you work with people who bring different skills and perspectives, the overall outcome is much stronger.
Being open to learning from others, regardless of their role or seniority, has helped me become a more effective leader.
What barriers do you think young women, particularly from underrepresented backgrounds, still face today?
One of the biggest barriers is still access and opportunity.
I was fortunate to attend a secondary school that exposed me to many different opportunities and career paths. Being in that environment expanded my network and helped me understand what was possible.
Many young women don’t have that same exposure. If you don’t know people who are doctors, engineers, lawyers, or entrepreneurs, it can be difficult to imagine yourself in those roles.
A lack of networks and opportunities continues to be a major challenge.
How can organisations move beyond good intentions and actively create opportunities?
Organisations need to actively do the work. That means partnering with schools, youth organisations, and community groups.
Starting engagement as early as primary school is really important so young people can begin to see what careers are possible for them.
I’m also a big supporter of initiatives like apprenticeships, mentoring schemes, reverse mentoring, internships and work experience
These are all practical ways organisations can open doors for young people from underrepresented backgrounds.
It’s also important to remember that globally, many girls still face even greater barriers to education. In some places, societal pressures mean girls leave school early. So while we focus on improving opportunities here, we should also remain aware of those wider challenges.
What role has collaboration played in your success?
I really believe that I’m a product of all the people I’ve met along the way.
Doctors, nurses, therapists, teachers, social workers. So many people have influenced my journey. Every interaction contributes to who you become.
Collaboration is essential if we want to build a society that is fair and equitable.
There’s a quote I really like:
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
That idea resonates strongly with me.
For young women who may lack confidence or networks, what practical first step would you recommend?
Confidence and networking don’t always come naturally to people and that’s okay. These are skills that can be learned over time.
My advice would be to take a step-by-step approach.
Try to put yourself in environments slightly outside your comfort zone. That might be attending an event, joining a programme, or meeting people in a new setting.
It may feel uncomfortable at first, but the more you practise, the easier it becomes. Over time you start building confidence, relationships, and new opportunities.
How do you personally champion other women today?
In medicine, one interesting change over the past 20 years is that the profession has become increasingly female. In many medical schools today, women actually outnumber men.
That means I often have opportunities to mentor resident doctors and medical students, which is something I really value.
Outside of the hospital, I support young people through my work as an Urban Synergy Role Model and through my role as a school governor. Wherever possible, I try to create spaces where young women can see their potential and feel supported.
Why are organisations like Urban Synergy so important today?
We’re living in a politically and globally uncertain time. Over the past decade there was a lot of positive progress around social mobility and gender equality, but recently it feels like some of that momentum has slowed.
That’s why organisations like Urban Synergy are so important. They continue to champion opportunity, equity, and social mobility even when progress feels difficult.
They create spaces where young people can see what’s possible and connect with people who want to support them.
And that work is absolutely essential.
When you give to Urban Synergy, you’re multiplying opportunity. Your support helps young people build confidence, connections, and the tools to succeed. Find out more on how you can contribute as a corporate/industry professional or partner with Urban Synergy.