Audrey supports the delivery of our UHS Research Leaders Programme.

A Military Beginning

Audrey’s career began far from hospital offices and research programmes. In 1998, she joined the Royal Air Force as a Medical Assistant.

Over 15 years of service, her role evolved into that of a Helicopter Paramedic, one of the most demanding medical roles in the military.

Her deployments took her around the world and included four tours in Iraq and five in Afghanistan as part of the Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT), and a tour in Kosovo during the Balkans conflict.

Audrey sustained an injury in Afghanistan and was honourably discharged, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

No longer able to work in frontline services, she joined University Hospital Southampton (UHS), as a Ward Secretary and later as an Admin Manager.

Her leadership and people‑first mindset naturally led her to the SoAR team, as the newly established Academy’s Administrator before stepping into the role of Office Manager.

Research Leadership Support

Today, Audrey is the UHS Research Leaders Programme (RLP) Support Officer. She works closely with Dr Kristin Veighey (RLP Lead), supporting the smooth running of the programme.

This can vary from budget management to offering guidance, sharing opportunities, and connecting Awardees with the right people to advance their research.

She also manages all RLP events and ensures applicants and awardees feel supported throughout their RLP journey.

Alongside her role, she began an apprenticeship in Project Management in 2025, allowing her to develop new skills and broaden her expertise.

The RLP was established in 2021, following significant investment from the UHS Trust Board. It supports UHS healthcare professionals to build a portfolio of research activity that will attract or generate funding.

The aim is to facilitate research to become a significant and sustainable component of their job plan within three years.

RLP awardees come from a wide range of clinical backgrounds, and all share a commitment to leading research that improves patient care. Awardees benefit from protected research time, access to expert guidance, and opportunities to collaborate with experienced academics and clinicians.

Audrey’s path has been shaped by resilience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to supporting others. Her work continues to make a meaningful impact on those developing the future of healthcare research at UHS.

Prospective applicants can contact Audrey via RLP@uhs.nhs.uk.

Our team

Prof Lynn Calman

Dr Kristin Veighey

Dr Lindsay Murphy

Dr Dan Owens

Audrey Dooks