University News Last updated 25 July
Air Commodore Sonia Phythian OBE ARRC KHN has received an Honorary Doctorate from Birmingham City University (BCU) in recognition of her outstanding contribution to public life and exemplary leadership in Defence Healthcare.
A Veterans Charity Trustee, Air Cdre Phythian has enjoyed a trailblazing career spanning nearly three decades, holding a number of senior strategic roles within the Ministry of Defence and serving as Head of RAF Medical Services for two years from 2022.
From her roots as a Registered General Nurse in Lancashire, Air Cdre Phythian has commanded operations around the world, including Iraq and Afghanistan, and served overseas as the Medical Advisor to the Administrator of the Sovereign Base Areas and Commander British Forces Cyprus during the COVID pandemic.
Reflecting on the award, Air Cdre Phythian said: “Receiving this Honorary Doctorate is a huge honour. I feel pride and humility. My decision to train to become a nurse was the start of my journey. Thirty years later, I can reflect on a varied and fulfilled military nursing career.”
BCU has a longstanding relationship with Defence Healthcare, hosting the Defence School of Healthcare Education, which trains hundreds of military Nurses, Operating Department Practitioners, Radiographers, and Allied Health Professionals.
In her role as Head of RAF Medical Services, Air Cdre Phythian oversaw many of the RAF personnel who study and graduate at BCU.
In a message to the next generation of healthcare professionals, she said: “I hope receiving this award shows the next generation that all roles in healthcare can, and are, making a difference.
“It’s important to recognise that there is a place for everyone, and we all have something to offer. All who work in healthcare, regardless of role, are valued and needed to improve the patient’s experience.”
She also has the following advice for BCU healthcare graduates: “Never forget there is a patient, a person, at the end of all that you do. Continue to be inspired to learn, be humble in all that you do, guard your integrity, and take care of yourself.”