International Women’s Day: In Conversation With… Dr Cheryl Walsh

For International Women’s Day, we sat down with Dr Cheryl Walsh, Head of Monogenics, Genomics department at Synnovis and Guy’s and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust.

We spoke to her about her journey into science, the women who inspired her and the difference her work is making to patients.

What inspired you to choose a career in science?

I enjoyed science the most at school. I always loved learning new things and science fed that curiosity. My mum worked as a cardiac technician and during school holidays I sometimes went to work with her. Seeing how an ECG could identify that a patient was at risk of a heart attack and lead to immediate life‑saving treatment, made a lasting impression on me, even if I didn’t realise it at the time.

In my final year of university, I completed a research project investigating a pathogenic variant in the PDHA1 gene in a patient whose symptoms didn’t match what we’d expect. This led me to a PhD studying patients with PDHA1 pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency where disease‑causing variants were unconfirmed or undetected. I was able to identify these variants and characterise additional ones.

It was at that point that I discovered the NHS Clinical Scientist Training Programme for molecular genetics. I successfully applied and that’s how my journey began as a trainee in the monogenics department at Guy’s Hospital.

Who have been your role models along the way?

As I became more interested in genetics, the lack of recognition of Rosalind Franklin’s work stood out to me. I also used HeLa cells during my PhD and reading ‘The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks’ has stayed with me. I often think about how lucky I am to have been born in the UK at this moment in time rather than a different place or decade.

Personally, my mum is my biggest role model. I was born very prematurely with sepsis and meningitis and wasn’t expected to live. When I did survive, my parents were told I might have long term complications. When I was five, my mum realised that I was probably deaf but hearing tests weren’t routine then and no one believed her. One day, she took me to the hospital audiology department and refused to leave until I was tested. It turned out that I was moderately hearing impaired and was given a pair of hearing aids. Up to that point, I’d never heard a bird sing, the upper notes of a piano or even the ice cream van music.

My mum always fought for me to have the right care, technology to improve my hearing and support at school. I wouldn’t be who I am today without her and fittingly, International Women’s Day is also her birthday.

My older sister is also an important role model. She struggled in school but later found her path as a support teacher for blind and visually impaired children, many of whom have complex genetic conditions. She works tirelessly to ensure they have the tools they need to thrive. Academic success is often treated as the benchmark, but I believe everyone has a meaningful role that isn’t determined by exams.

Have you faced challenges as a woman working in science?

I originally wanted to be a doctor, but at the time I couldn’t use a stethoscope and was told it wouldn’t be possible. That made me think about other options, which ultimately led me to biochemistry, a degree I loved.

Genetics is a female dominated area, so I have not really faced challenges as a woman in this respect. As Head of Monogenics, I now lead an all-female management team, which is something I’m proud of. There are still fewer women in senior leadership roles than there should be, but I’m hopeful this will continue to change.

What advice would you give to women aspiring to enter science or research?

Most of the time the only person standing in your way is you. Even if you don’t tick all the boxes for a job, apply anyway. For me, an important lesson in life is how you get up when you fail or things don’t go the way you expect them to. Even if it doesn’t seem like it at the time, there will be another opportunity that is often even better.

Cheryl and her team have recently developed a new rapid genetic test that can confirm a diagnosis of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) in just three days.

How does it feel to see your rapid SMA test making a difference to patients?

It is deeply meaningful for me. To be honest, I often cry when I authorise a rapid SMA test for a symptomatic baby. One of the greatest privileges of this work has been meeting SMA patients, their families and the SMA UK charity team. They are incredible and work so hard to support each other. Families are often juggling complex care needs, fighting for the care they need, holding down jobs and coping with several children, some of whom are unaffected or less affected than older siblings due to advances in treatment.

What do you think needs to change to encourage more women into senior roles in science?

Childcare needs to be more affordable, as the cost remains a major obstacle for many women. I have young children myself, and having a supportive partner makes a real difference. Many women don’t feel able to have open conversations about sharing childcare, which can limit opportunities. There are still fewer women, especially mothers, in senior roles and reducing these practical barriers would help more women progress.