People Story | Dr Bárbara Marinho | Quality & Governance Manager
Dr Bárbara Marinho, Quality & Governance Manager at DMC Healthcare, explains the driving force behind her passion for making a positive impact on patient care. She is now leveraging her impressive clinical expertise and a decade of experience in research and medical administration into her new role in governance at DMC.
"DMC is empowering my passion to drive meaningful change in healthcare"
"I've always wanted to be a doctor"
Growing up in Brazil, the loss of my elder sister at a young age – due to the most malignant form of brain cancer – has shaped my determination to honour her legacy and become a doctor. Since then, I’ve been deeply motivated to enhance my healthcare knowledge and impact, ensuring that I stay in the forefront of advancement in my field.
“My education began with a degree in Medicine at Potiguar University, Brazil”
Subsequently, I earned my initial scholarship from the Brazilian government, enabling me to pursue studies in London. This marked the start of a journey that led me to study in five countries and twelve universities worldwide, supported by excellence-based scholarships and awards.
My academic pursuits included an intercalated degree at Queen Mary University, London. I furthered my education with post-graduate training in Clinical Research at Harvard University, Global Health at the University of Oslo, and Medical Administration at Quantic School of Business and Technology in Washington, DC.
While in Norway, I had the honour of being recognised as “the best international student” among a cohort of over 1000 students. A noteworthy achievement was being chosen as the first Brazilian to complete the NASA training program in Principles of Aviation and Aerospace Medicine, in collaboration with the University of Texas in 2019.
"My early work with WHO addressed the Covid challenge"
I had the privilege of being part of the Epidemiological Intelligence team at the World Health Organization in Washington, DC from 2019 to 2020. As one of the first individuals to report the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, I actively contributed to addressing this global healthcare emergency.
Recognised as a recipient of the Ibero-American scholarship from Santander, I completed an Intercalated Degree in Medicine at Universidad CEU San Pablo in Madrid, Spain. My certifications include Global Health from Harvard University, Medical Education from Stanford University, and Public Health from Johns Hopkins University.
Among 33,000 applicants, I was honoured to be one of the 32 winners of the Fundação Estudar Fellowship, a highly competitive selection process in Brazil for professionals aspiring to become leaders and change-makers in their respective fields. I created the company Medfellow in Brazil to help achieve outstanding opportunities for students, helping over 150 Brazilians to study abroad.
"I've always wanted to work in the UK"
In 2023, after my wife graduated, we commenced our search for employment in the UK and successfully secured the role at DMC in October.
"I soon got to know the people behind the values"
I met the leadership team who were very welcoming and I immediately felt at home. The team is really supportive and the leadership group is always receptive to new ideas. I soon gained an understanding of the company’s history, values and vision. It was refreshing to get to know the individuals embodying these values and witness their genuine dedication to quality, an aspect often obscured in larger organisations.
"I have a strong focus on best practice"
My role in governance gives me the ability to oversee DMC’s different services. As a medical doctor, I have always strived to be the best but sometimes the policies restrict you. Best practice in some countries is sometimes constrained for financial reasons. So now, having control over the governance in healthcare settings, we can make sure we are taking care of our organisation and giving the best patient care.
"It's a very exciting time at DMC"
We are submitting various applications for accreditations to ensure we have the best quality services across all our business units, from ISO, IT and quality imaging. For example, we are embarking on a new IT radiology project to ensure the best calibration of monitors for all our radiologists and ensuring the best quality in terms of RCR standards.
"I enjoy working with everyone at DMC"
In my current hybrid role, I deeply appreciate the company’s culture and the positive working relationships I am building with my colleagues, both in the office and remotely.
"My ambition is to keep offering an excellent service for patients"
I hope to help DMC grow in all service areas and maybe expand the business units in terms of adding a range of different services.
"Outside of DMC work"
I love watching all kinds of sports, particularly football and volleyball. On Saturdays I work as a medical doctor at an outpatient clinic in London and I also work as research lead for post trauma hand rehabilitation for developing countries at the University of Brighton and Queen Victoria Hospital, West Sussex.
"My advice to others would be to come as soon as possible"
I’ve learned about the company’s future trajectory and delved into its history. It’s evident that a strong sense of humanity permeates every role, whether one is a clinical professional or involved in support services. Regardless of the position, the fundamental purpose is to deliver exceptional service to people.
