Catherine's training story
Catherine Roberts is a Specialist Respiratory Registrar at St George’s Hospital in South London.
What was your route through training?
I studied at Newcastle Medical School, graduating in 2018 with MBBS and MRes Immunobiology degrees, and completed my foundation years in the North East of England. I relocated to London during the COVID-19 pandemic and worked for a year as a junior clinical fellow on the oncology wards at St Bartholomew’s Hospital. This was probably one of my hardest placements to date, mainly due to the acuity of the inpatients, restrictions around visitors, strict COVID-19 testing for staff and team burnout. It taught me a lot about the value of kindness and the importance of team morale.
After finishing Internal Medicine Training in South East London, I took some much needed time out of training. At the start of 2025 I solo-backpacked across Mexico and Colombia and explored both the East and West coasts of Canada. I later returned to South London to start my Respiratory training. Alongside training I enjoy being involved in research and I teach as a lecturer on the PassPACES courses. I love running and doing yoga in my spare time. I have loved switching to LTFT working over the past few years, as it allows me to maintain a healthier work-life balance.
Can you share some examples of what helped you navigate training?
During my training I have been fortunate to work with many inspirational consultants and very supportive clinical and academic supervisors. The colleagues that impress me the most are those who strike the difficult balance between thoroughness and efficiency while maintaining a warm, caring approach towards patients and their team. In a healthcare system continually challenged by funding cuts, staff shortages, and low morale, it can be hard to find mentors who remain positive, enthusiastic, and committed to the training of junior doctors — which makes those who do even more valuable and appreciated.
One of my educational supervisors once advised me: as you progress, it’s easy to recognise what you’re good at, stay in your comfort zone and keep doing that. However the best clinicians recognise their blind spots and challenge themselves. So, identify what you’re not so good at and go and improve it.
What barriers have you experienced in your career, and what helps?
As a woman I have faced doubt, discrimination, and belittlement at many points in my career, from both patients and colleagues. I have also experienced recurring periods of imposter syndrome during training, which can be difficult to overcome and deeply damaging to one’s confidence. I’ve found great solace in speaking openly about these struggles. Through honesty and conversation, I’ve realised that many of my friends and colleagues have faced similar challenges.
Can you tell us about your respiratory women's network for trainees in London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex?
In 2025, myself and three other London-based trainees Renu Naran, Prash Ratnakumar and Maggie Cheung have launched the ‘London and KSS Respiratory Women’s Network’. Our aim is to inspire, support and connect trainees across the region. Our webinars and events (both virtual and face-to-face) are open to all trainees and non-trainees, with a focus on topics especially relevant to women in the field. In 2025 we released a summer webinar series of interactive evening talks by London and KSS based consultants, on topics such as: imposter syndrome, balancing clinical commitments and home life and many more. We also hosted a well-attended in-person event in July 2025 featuring a 3 female and 2 male consultant panel discussing the trials, tribulations and triumphs of new consultant life. In 2026 and beyond we plan to run more events and are hoping to set up a trainee and consultant mentorship scheme.
How can people join the network?
To join our network (open to those with a passion for respiratory medicine - both trainees and non-trainees), to sign up as a consultant mentor or to find out more please email me at catherine.roberts24@nhs.net