Nicola Edwards

Senior Analyst

SciMed team member since 2021

How did you get into the healthcare technology industry?

I had just finished a contract as a post-doctoral researcher in a lab-based setting and had to decide whether to continue or try a new direction. I chose to move into the medical device industry because my work felt valued and important, and I was able to build my scientific understanding while supporting a family.

What do you like most about working about working at SciMed?

We are a relatively small team but very friendly and welcoming, and it is refreshing to work in such a collaborative environment. The company is also supportive of growth and development, and the variety of projects I am involved in keeps the work fresh.

What's your specialist subject?

My research was on the effects of lupus (SLE) on the cardiovascular system, particularly looking at quantifying cardiovascular risk, identifying lupus-specific cardiovascular biomarkers, and investigating how micro-RNAs associated with lupus may affect endothelial function.

What challenges do you think the healthcare technology industry face, and how would your expertise deal with that?

Medical innovation will always be necessary to manage the challenges of a growing and aging population, but patients and consumers must feel confident in the safety and performance of the devices they are using. My scientific background and stance as an independent consultant allows me to work with clients to ensure device compliance, while always keeping the patient in mind. The regulatory landscape is also currently undergoing some major changes, with MDR transition and outcomes of Brexit, and SciMed are at the forefront of these next steps.

If you could have a scientist for dinner (past or present), who would it be and why?

Hildegard of Bingen would be fascinating to talk to because her medical texts were ahead of their time and included a focus on women's health that is often overlooked in modern medicine. She also blended medicine, spirituality and music, and was well-travelled and outspoken so would have lots of interesting medieval discussion.