In this episode Abdul and Alex break down what health tech really is and why it’s becoming one of the most exciting and impactful areas in modern healthcare.
The conversation dives into real-world health tech innovations, including digital physiotherapy platforms, eye-imaging photonic chips, and non-invasive brain monitoring tools, while also addressing critical challenges such as accuracy, user experience, health inequality, and data reliability across different populations.
Whether you’re a scientist, healthcare professional, student, or someone curious about health tech careers, this episode offers an accessible, honest look at where the industry is heading and the questions we should be asking as innovation accelerates.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction
01:00 – Why Talk About Health Tech Now?
02:40 – What Is Health Tech? (Explained Simply)
04:40 – Wearables, Apps & Everyday Health Data
06:40 – Are Health Wearables Actually Useful?
09:00 – Why Health Tech Is Growing So Fast
11:20 – UK Health Tech & Innovation Ecosystem
12:30 – Health Tech Example #1: Digital Physiotherapy (Flok Health)
15:20 – Health Tech Example #2: Eye Imaging & Photonic Chips
18:00 – Health Tech Example #3: Non-Invasive Brain Monitoring
20:10 – Accuracy, Bias & Health Inequality in Health Tech
23:00 – The Importance of User Experience in Medical Technology
24:30 – Future Episode Ideas & Closing Thoughts
Links
Keywords: Health tech, health tech innovations, healthcare technology, digital health, medical technology, health tech explained, wearable health devices, AI in healthcare, medical devices, home health monitoring, NHS innovation, preventative healthcare, health tech startups, scientists in industry, health tech careers, what is health tech, how technology is changing healthcare, health tech for patients, digital healthcare explained, health tech UK, inequality in health technology, wearables accuracy skin tone, future of healthcare technology
Today I’m excited to welcome my colleague and friend Emma to the show. Emma is a seasoned talent and events professional with deep experience across startups and big tech. She’s worked on high-growth hiring at companies like Amazon, Pinterest, and HeliosX, as well as two global VFX studios, giving her a uniquely broad perspective on what it takes to scale teams, stand out as a candidate, and navigate competitive hiring environments.
Outside of the 9–5, Emma is equally impressive, she’s finishing her M.A. in Creative Writing, has multiple writing certifications, a degree in Food Science, and is working on her first novel. She’s also a runner, weight-trainer, beach-lover, cook, pianist, and overall creative powerhouse.
Today we’ll dive into her career journey, what she’s learned from recruiting across industries, how people can distinguish themselves in today’s job market, and what makes hiring in health tech different from big tech. And of course, we’ll talk about her creative life and why having side projects may actually make you a stronger candidate.
Chapters
00:00nIntroduction to Emma's Career Journey
03:17 Navigating the Job Market: Insights from a Recruiter
12:08 Understanding Top Talent: What Employers Look For
17:15 The Importance of Data in Recruitment
20:14 Following the Candidate's Journey Post-Hire
21:38 Misconceptions in Job Applications
25:11 The Importance of Customization
26:47 Navigating Career Pivots
29:31 Understanding Hiring Signals
31:19 Differences in Health Tech Hiring
33:26 Balancing Side Projects and Work
37:15 The Value of Curiosity and Side Hustles
39:19 Defining Success in Careers
Amazon, Pinterest, HeliosX, Facebook, Technicolor, VFX Studios, Health Tech, Big Tech, Startups, Recruitment, Creative Writing, Talent Acquisition, Compliance and Regulatory, Film Industry, Social Media, Healthcare Industry
The conversation explores the critical role of research and development (R&D) in the consumer goods industry, particularly focusing on how companies like P&G and Unilever leverage incremental innovations to enhance their market share. It highlights that while consumers may not notice significant differences in products, the ongoing tweaks and improvements in formulations contribute to overall performance and competitiveness.
00:00 Introduction and Hiatus
03:00 Guest Lecture on Malaria
09:00 Nanotherapeutics and Research
15:00 Placement Experience at P&G
21:00 Role of Enzymes in Detergents
27:00 Impact of COVID-19 on Placements
33:00 Exploring New Interests
Keywords: R&D, consumer goods, market share, technology development, incremental innovation, P&G, scientist, detergent, protease team, fairy, Lenore, tide, Unilever
In this episode, Alex and Abdul discuss recent breakthroughs in gene therapy, particularly for Huntington's disease, and delve into the importance of the HCPC for biomedical scientists. They share personal experiences from their NHS placements, highlighting the challenges and learning opportunities within the lab environment. The conversation also touches on the dynamics between students and employees, the significance of teamwork, and the financial considerations that influence career choices in the healthcare sector. Ultimately, they reflect on the journey of self-discovery and the transition from scientific roles to corporate positions, emphasizing the importance of finding one's identity beyond a job title.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and News Segment
02:53 Breakthrough in Gene Therapy for Huntington's Disease
05:33 Understanding HCPC and Biomedical Scientist Registration
08:35 Placement Experience in a Diagnostic Lab
11:24 Navigating NHS Lab Placements
14:09 Histopathology: The Role and Responsibilities
17:03 Working with Precious Samples in Histopathology
20:18 Navigating the Lab Environment
24:03 The Student vs. Employee Experience
27:36 The Role of Locums in Biomedical Science
31:31 Repetitiveness and Personal Growth
35:07 Identity and Career Reflection
39:01 Financial Considerations in Career Choices
Keywords: gene therapy, Huntington's disease, biomedical science, HCPC, NHS placement, lab experience, career choices, corporate roles, financial considerations, healthcare professions, IBMS, Institute
In this episode of Beyond the White Coat, Abdul shares his experiences from a recent international conference focused on the biology and physics of prokaryotic chromosomes. He discusses the importance of networking, presenting research, and engaging with attendees. The conversation covers tips for creating effective research posters, strategies for initiating conversations, and the significance of follow-ups after conferences. Abdul emphasizes the value of both peer networking and connecting with senior researchers, while also providing insights on how to find and choose the right conferences to attend.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Conference Overview
02:42 Research Presentation and Poster Creation
05:22 Engaging with Conference Attendees
08:20 Networking and Building Connections
10:56 Reflections on Networking and Follow-Up Strategies
22:45 Finding Conferences and Networking Opportunities
25:08 Evaluating Conference Worthiness
27:54 The Social Aspect of Conferences
29:59 Choosing Between Conference Sizes
30:49 Starting Conversations at Conferences
37:49 Networking Strategies: Peers vs. Senior Researchers
Keywords: conferences, networking, research, presentations, academic growth, poster sessions, collaboration, early career researchers, public speaking, scientific community
Useful Links
Alex and Abdul return from their holidays in Greece and Barcelona only to dive into a heavier reality: the brutal job market for scientists and grads.
From spreadsheets tracking hundreds of rejections, to AI filters rejecting CVs in minutes, to why personal branding might matter more than your degree.
This episode breaks down the challenges of getting hired today. They also share tips that actually worked for them, and debate how much you should “game the system” vs. stay true to your values.
Chapters & Timestamps
Holiday Recaps: Greece & Barcelona – 00:00
PhD Placement Planning & Career Options – 01:28
The Viral LinkedIn Post: 450 Job Applications – 02:02
Our Own Job Application War Stories – 04:20
Ghosting & The Spreadsheet Method – 05:36
AI in Recruitment: ATS Systems & Interview Note-Takers – 09:47
Doctors & Personal Branding in 2025 – 12:02
CV Tailoring, Keywords & Using AI Wisely – 13:57
Values vs. Branding: Finding the Right Fit – 18:31
Creative Hacks to Stand Out (Assignments, Mock Interviews, Referrals) – 23:01
Final Tips & Wrapping Up – 27:59
Links & Resources
Job Application Tools & Tips
Recommended Reading: So Good They Can’t Ignore You by Cal Newport (career & skills focus)
In this episode, Alex and Abdul discuss their personal experiences, including the importance of taking breaks, the impact of social media on their podcast, and the challenges of navigating the PhD application process.
Abdul shares his journey to securing a PhD, the various application processes, and the feelings of imposter syndrome that can arise in academia, particularly for underrepresented groups. The conversation emphasizes the need for open discussions about career progress and the importance of building confidence in professional settings.
🕒 Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
14:19 Abdul's Journey to a PhD
15:50 Navigating the Path to a PhD
18:49 The Application Process Unveiled
24:10 Understanding PhD Interviews
30:49 Scholarship Opportunities and Diversity in Academia
🔗 Key Links
PhD journey, application process, interviews, imposter syndrome, diversity in academia, personal growth, social media impact, confidence building, academic challenges, career development
In this episode, Alex and Abdul discuss their recent personal and professional updates, including Alex's journey in asking for a promotion and Abdul's upcoming conference presentation. They delve into the challenges of time management in their respective roles, contrasting the structured environment of a PhD with the flexibility of creative work. The conversation highlights the importance of self-assessment, learning opportunities, and the need for balance in work and personal life.
🕒 Chapters
00:00 Life Updates and Career Progression
02:48 Navigating Promotions and Self-Assessment
05:40 Learning and Development in the Workplace
08:37 Conference Preparation and Presentation Skills
11:15 Mentorship and New Beginnings in Research
15:17 Celebrating Achievements in Research
16:09 Diving into Time Management Strategies
26:41 Personal Approaches to Time Management
🔗 Key Links
If lab work’s not for you… what now? In this comeback episode of Beyond the White Coat, Alex is joined by new co-host Abdul, a PhD student researching antibiotic resistance and navigating his own science communication journey.
Together, they answer a listener’s question about pivoting away from lab work and explore alternative careers in science comms and healthcare marketing, two growing fields where your science background is actually a major asset.
Expect personal stories, honest advice, a hilarious $9,200 pricing fail, and practical steps to explore creative, impactful career paths in science, even if you never touch a pipette again.
📌 Key Takeaways
- You’re not alone if lab work isn’t for you. There are fulfilling career paths in communication, policy, media, and marketing that value your science background.
- How Abdul got free science communication training through a university email many students would have ignored.
- Healthcare marketing as a career path. Alex shares how she transitioned from biomed into creative roles without formal marketing education
🧭 Episode Chapters
00:10 – Welcome Back! Meet the New Co-Host
01:35 – $9,200 for Four Videos?! Healthcare Marketing Gone Wild
05:58 – Listener Question: I Hate Lab Work, Now What?
06:43 – Abdul’s SciComm Workshop Recap (and Meeting a Rock Star CEO)
12:31 – Science Communication Is Everywhere
14:10 – How to Approach Intimidating Experts Without Freezing
17:39 – Mentors, Coaches & Setting Boundaries
18:45 – What Is Healthcare Marketing & How Do You Get Into It?
20:01 – Managing a Social Media Side Hustle with a Full-Time Degree
20:36 – Wrapping Up & What’s Next
🔗 Essential Links & Resources
Today, I'm excited to introduce you to Kamiya. She began her career inbiomedical science, driven by a passion for understanding the real-world impact of research.
Starting in the lab, she honed her scientific expertise before transitioning to a pivotal role at anNHS 111 call center, where she developed exceptional communication and problem-solving skills. These experiences laid the foundation for her career in regulatory medical writing.
Today, Kamiya works atMantra Systems, a company dedicated to guiding innovative medical devices through complex regulatory landscapes. Her role involves crafting clinical evaluation reports, state-of-the-art documents, and regulatory submissions, ensuring devices meet stringent safety and efficacy standards.
Visit Mantra System here: https://www.mantrasystems.co.uk/
Alice has built an impressive career in the healthcare field, specializing in cancer genetics and neurodegenerative inherited conditions. After earning First Class Honours in Human Biology from Loughborough University, she went on to complete a Master's degree in Genes, Environment, and Development at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience. Alice’s journey into genetic counselling was shaped through the Scientist Training Programme at Guy’s Hospital, where she honed her clinical skills and began her work with families affected by genetic conditions.
Follow Alice on LinkedIn
Today, I’m excited to introduce my friend Gilma, who is a Heathcare Coordinator at Burgopak, an award-winning packaging design agency.
She’s part of a team that brings innovative, patented solutions to a wide variety of industries. Gilma has an extensive background in packaging design and project management, and she’s here to share her experiences in the healthcare packaging industry and offer insights for those interested in pursuing this field.
The healthcare packaging industry plays a crucial role in the safe and effective delivery of medical products, ranging from pharmaceuticals to medical devices.
As healthcare innovation continues to grow, so does the demand for advanced, functional packaging solutions. This sector is not only essential for safety and compliance but also offers exciting opportunities for creativity and problem-solving.
For those interested in design, sustainability, and making a tangible impact in healthcare, this industry is an exciting field to explore.
Bugopak: https://burgopak.com/
More from Gilma
Introducing you to Abdul 👏
After earning his undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences from Durham University, he completed a placement at Procter & Gamble, where he worked in R&D analyzing the effectiveness of proteases in household products like Fairy Liquid and Lenor.
Following this, Abdul worked as a lab technician at Imperial College before pursuing a PhD with the White Rose Mechanistic Biology DTP. His research delves into single-molecule biophysics to understand bacterial plasmid segregation, a critical process in antibiotic resistance.
Combining academic excellence with industry insight, Abdul offers a fresh perspective on tackling major healthcare challenges.
Links Related to this Episode:
White Rose: https://www.whiterose-mechanisticbiology-dtp.ac.uk/
P&G: https://www.pg.co.uk/
Follow Abdul:• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdulkabir-adenopo-14495b176/• X: https://x.com/abdul_adenopo
Today I'm breaking down the differencdifference between Biomedical Science and Biomedicine courses using the Lancaster University courses as an example.
Check out the 3 work experiences I reviewed in this episode:
I'm very excited to tell you the story of how I got my new job in healthcare social media marketing for a popular healthtech company.
I know I've been gone for a long time, but I'm back and excited to talk to you about entry level biomedical roles.
Do you have any questions you'd like to me to address in future episodes?
Thank you for being here! I hope you found this episode useful. If you did, please make sure you rate the podcast and send me a DM with what topics I should cover next 😊 I’ll see you next time.
Please find more information relevant to this episode here:
HCPC: https://www.hcpc-uk.org/
The Biomedical Science Student website: https://thebiomedicalsciencestudent.com/
More from Alex:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@biomedicalsciencestudent
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebiomedicalxsciencestudent/
Email: thebiomedicalsciencestudent@outlook.com
Thank you for being here! I hope you found this episode useful. If you did, please make sure you rate the podcast and send me a DM with what topics I should cover next 😊 I’ll see you next time.
Please find more information relevant to this episode here:
HCPC: https://www.hcpc-uk.org/
The Biomedical Science Student website: https://thebiomedicalsciencestudent.com/
More from Alex:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@biomedicalsciencestudent
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebiomedicalxsciencestudent/
Email: thebiomedicalsciencestudent@outlook.com
Thank you for being here! I hope you found this episode useful. If you did, please make sure you rate the podcast and send me a DM with what topics I should cover next 😊 I’ll see you next time.
Please find more information relevant to this episode here:
HCPC: https://www.hcpc-uk.org/
The Biomedical Science Student website: https://thebiomedicalsciencestudent.com/
More from Alex:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@biomedicalsciencestudent
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebiomedicalxsciencestudent/
Email: thebiomedicalsciencestudent@outlook.com