2 mins
LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE
Members of our Women in Aesthetic Medicine board consider their ambitions for 2025
Several Women in Aesthetic Medicine (WiAM) board members came together at the end of 2024 for an inspiring discussion about their achievements thus far and their plans for 2025.
The Aesthetic Medicine team was joined by Alex Bugg, Dr Anna Hemming, Dr Mayoni Gooneratne, and Tracey Dennison, and the conversation highlighted the collective strides women in the aesthetics field are making while also addressing the challenges they face.
CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2024
Reflecting on the past year, Dr Hemming recounted a particularly rewarding 2024. She was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award from Cutera and saw her all-female team at Thames Skin Clinic win the Team of the Year Award at the Aesthetic Medicine Awards 2024, which was “totally unexpected” and blew her away: “It makes me think maybe I should retire, but I also know that’s not going to happen,” she jokes.
Human Health founder Dr Gooneratne shared the milestone achievement of delivering a TEDx talk titled “Role reversal: Why the world should prepare for the women of the future”. Her talk delved into the critical role women play in society and the workforce, and how they balance professional and personal roles around caregiving responsibilities. This passion for addressing the health gender gap has driven her to curate the upcoming Women’s Health and Longevity Agenda in Portugal, a platform for tackling pressing health issues affecting women.
For nurse practitioner Dennison, 2024 was a year of meaningful milestones. Her Beverley-based clinic celebrated its 10 year anniversary and earned the Best of Beverley, also known as the BOB award. Beyond aesthetics, she took on the role of chair for Women in Business Hull, advocating for women’s empowerment and collaboration in her local community.
Bugg, digital marketing strategist at Web Marketing Clinic, offered a different perspective, focusing on her work supporting female-led aesthetic businesses. She noted a growing emphasis on regenerative medicine, menopause care, and practitioner wellbeing. Bugg also reflected on her journey, emphasising the importance of mental health and the camaraderie she finds within her rugby team.
THE FOUNDATION OF OUR FUTURE
The board members turned their focus to 2025, discussing a vision centred on empowerment, balance, and innovation. Dr Gooneratne emphasised the importance of helping women achieve professional success without compromising personal goals. She shared how adjusting her clinic hours around her family’s needs inspired patients to consider similar changes for themselves.
“We want to encourage practitioners to align their professional choices with their values,” said Dr Gooneratne. “It’s about creating a work-life balance that resonates with our priorities while setting a positive example for others.”
The discussion also highlighted the need to break barriers that hold women back. Dr Hemming reflected on the courage required to step into leadership roles, encouraging women to push past self-doubt. “For years, I was my own biggest obstacle. Now, I’ve realised the importance of taking brave steps forward, even if it feels risky.”
Dennison related to this sentiment, promoting collective growth. “WiAM’s mission is to rise by lifting others. Finding a supportive network can transform not only your career but also your mindset.”
A MANTRA FOR 2025
The board solidified its mission for the coming year: to inspire, empower, and uplift women in aesthetic medicine. From fostering leadership opportunities to promoting diversity and inclusion, the goal is to ensure every practitioner can reach their full potential.
Keep an eye on the WiAM community for upcoming events; we’ve got exciting plans for 2025. Together, we can shape a future where women in aesthetics thrive.