Roopa Nair, a consultant working in the NHS, has spoken about the challenges she faces as a leader in robotic urogynaecological surgery, despite years of experience and success in her field.
Under her leadership, Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRUT) became one of the first in the country to use robotic surgery in urogynaecology, offering advanced treatment for conditions such as incontinence and vaginal prolapse.
But she still says fellow workers and patients give views they may not even realise they have away.
Ms Nair 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.
Roopa preparing the robot for surgery (Image: BHRUH NHS)
“When colleagues have a complex patient, they call a male surgeon; it’s not deliberate, it’s just there.”
She also described encounters with patients who have doubted her abilities. Ms Nair added: “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?'”
Despite the obstacles, Ms Nair remains passionate about her work and the benefits of robotic surgery.
She said: “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 allows surgeons to control precise instruments and a camera via a computer console, offering improved accuracy and flexibility through smaller incisions.
Ms Nair’s achievements include securing national accreditation from the British Society of Urogynaecology for her unit in 2017 and reaccreditation in 2023. The unit was also named a specialist centre by NHS England in 2025 for complex procedures.
Ms Nair said: “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.”
She hopes to inspire and support other women to enter and thrive in surgical careers. Ms Nair said: “I’m passionate about encouraging others, giving them the tools, mentoring and support.
“My advice to other women wanting to become surgeons is to not let others make you doubt yourself. Believe in yourself and be determined, the time has come for us to break the glass ceiling.”