To mark International Women and Girls in Science Day, Olivia Friett, editor of the FemTech section of Med-Tech Insights, spoke with women working across women’s health about their journeys to becoming leaders in their fields.
Dr. Emily Fitch, chief medical officer, Viospex
What first sparked your interest in science, and was there a moment when you realised this could be a career for you?
My interest in science began early, rooted in curiosity. As a child, I spent a lot of time exploring the woods I grew up around, observing plants and animals and asking questions about how the natural world worked. A chemistry kit my family gave me became an early outlet for experimentation, allowing creativity and curiosity to grow side by side.
My path to a career in medicine emerged later, during my grandfather’s experience with cancer. As a young person, I was confused by his diagnosis and closely observed how his physicians approached his care. Watching the ways their decisions influenced not only his treatment, but also his quality of life, made a lasting impression. It was then that I began to understand how science, could directly shape human experience. That realisation ultimately guided me toward a career in medicine and scientific innovation, with a focus on improving care through better design, research, and clinical practice.
What’s one challenge you’ve faced as a woman in science, and what helped you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges has been navigating spaces where women’s expertise is questioned more subtly, through being talked over, underestimated, or expected to prove credibility repeatedly. What helped me was learning to trust my own competence, grounding my work in evidence, and building relationships with collaborators who value thoughtful, data-driven contributions. Over time, consistency and integrity speak louder than any single moment of doubt.
What advice would you give to young women or girls who are considering a career in science but aren’t sure they belong?
If you’re questioning whether you belong, you do. Science needs people who ask different questions and notice what others overlook. You don’t need to fit a specific mold to contribute meaningfully. Your perspective is part of the value you bring. Find mentors who support your growth, stay anchored in your curiosity, and don’t let uncertainty convince you that you’re an outsider in a field that thrives on questioning.
Kathy Lee-Sepsick, CEO, Femasys
What first sparked your interest in science, and was there a moment when you realised this could be a career for you?
I was drawn to science from an early age and enjoyed science and math over any other subjects. I was especially intrigued by how the human body works and how technology can be created, altered or improved to solve real problems. There wasn’t a single defining moment when I decided it could be a career; I was just always wired this way. Over time this curiosity evolved into a clear path, and I realised science and technology offered a way to build a career centred on solving meaningful problems that improve people’s lives.
What’s one challenge you’ve faced as a woman in science, and what helped you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was founding a company built on science and medical technology in healthcare, where women founders are still uncommon. I often encountered credibility bias, with assumptions that a male colleague or a medical professional must have been the inventor of my numerous technologies rather than me. I overcame this by staying focused on the science, letting the data and results speak for themselves, and consistently executing over time.
What advice would you give to young women or girls who are considering a career in science but aren’t sure they belong?
Believe in yourself and don’t let doubt, yours or anyone else’s, hold you back. Don’t worry about fitting a mold or proving you belong; build deep knowledge and expertise, and you will be prepared to navigate any situation with credibility.
Lisa Bollinger, chief medical officer, Polaryx Therapeutics
What first sparked your interest in science, and was there a moment when you realised this could be a career for you?
My love for science began in childhood when my father took me to the La Brea Tar Pits. I was mesmerised by paeleontology and the fossils on display. The idea that natural history could offer clues about ancient life, and that you could piece those clues together using scientific reasoning, absolutely captivated me. As I moved through school, I found myself naturally drawn to the life sciences and always imagined becoming a doctor. One of my favourite aunts was an anaesthesiologist, and when I was very young, she once let me observe a surgery. Watching the precision, teamwork, and impact of medicine up close was unforgettable. From that moment on, I was hooked.
What’s one challenge you’ve faced as a woman in science, and what helped you overcome it?
A key challenge for me was building the confidence to stay in science, especially in male-dominated physical science classes. Supportive teachers and mentors made all the difference—they encouraged me, helped me through difficult moments, and ultimately gave me the confidence to keep going.
What advice would you give to young women or girls who are considering a career in science but aren’t sure they belong?
If you’re drawn to science, trust that instinct and follow it. Science can be challenging, but building a strong foundation early on opens doors and gives you the freedom to grow in any
direction you choose. And remember: it’s far easier to move from a science background into other fields than it is to step into science later without that groundwork. You absolutely belong in this space if it excites you—let your curiosity and passion lead you.