Dr Ilaria Mirabile is a FLIER participant and Head of Programmes in the NHS Accelerated Access Collaborative, where she focuses on getting the best new treatments and diagnostic tests to patients. Ilaria told us what she's learned on the FLIER programme and how she's putting this into practice.
Q: What issue in health research do you want to take on and why?
A: The health care sector is facing tremendous pressure to respond to the challenges of a fast-changing world. The journey of a new test or treatment, from research to being used widely in the clinic is still somewhat long and convoluted, although we can learn a lot from the response to the challenged posed by COVID-19. My focus is to speed up and simplify this process, unblocking the challenges and working with partners to disrupt the status quo, to achieve better and fairer outcomes for patients and a more efficient NHS.
Q: What have you learnt on the FLIER programme and how are you putting it into practice?
A: I have learnt that self-care and prioritising my own needs is crucial for me to be an effective leader. A team thrives with an authentic leader who can be open, honest and vulnerable at times, rather than projecting infallibility. This shift has been particularly important for me as we have been facing a period of monumental change and instability that has affected all of us on a personal level and possibly changed the way we see the world.
Q: What have you done differently as a result of FLIER?
A: I recognise that the importance of my contribution comes from the unique perspective I bring. Being different from everyone else at the table is a plus to work with, rather than a limitation. I often challenge the standard model of ‘one milestone to the next’ to focus on the bigger picture for long-term impact, and I don’t shy away from asking uncomfortable questions.
Q: What advice would you give to your younger self?
A: Keep a sense of humour. Embrace change and the unknown. Every experience and every person you encounter is a learning opportunity, but you don’t need to change or lessen who you are to make others more comfortable.
Dr Ilaria Mirabile is a participant in Round 2 of the Academy of Medical Sciences’ FLIER programme, a unique programme that will develop leaders of the future who can create collaborations across academia, industry, the NHS and government to drive innovation.
The FLIER programme is generously supported by the Dennis and Mireille Gillings Foundation and the Government Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy ‘Investment in Research Talent’ fund. You can find out more about our funding model and explore our donors here, or visit our Support Us webpage to explore ways to help our work.
