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Catherine started her career in hospital medicine, but then moved into General Practice, and now combines GP work with family life and running her company Iyasu Medical Bags. In this episode we discuss her early career decision-making, and she tells me the importance of being true to yourself and doing the career that is right for you. Many of us want to do lots of different things, and that can be done but perhaps not all at the same time! I love the story of Iyasu bags, from spotting a problem to a product that is now on the market and also supports women's empowerment initiatives.

My name is Catherine Fernando and I am GP, mother of 4, and Founder of IYASU, a company that makes eco-friendly medical bags. I work part time in General Practice (2 days per week) in Haddington, near Edinburgh, and the rest of my time is dedicated to caring form my family and running my business. 

My career path has been quite varied but everything I’ve done has given me valuable skills and experience to bring to my role. After completing my PRHO rotation in Medicine, Surgery and Critical Care I did 2 years of core medical training and passed the MRCP exam. I was given a national training number in Rheumatology but resigned from my post after 15 months as I was unhappy in the department. This was a difficult time for me as I felt I had lost my direction in life. I decided to pursue a career in General Practice and managed to secure a training post. I did Paediatrics and Gynaecology, then became a GP Registrar. Along the way I worked in Medicine for the Elderly, Hospital at Home, Sexual Health Clinics and completed all kinds of Diplomas. I am married to another GP and we have 4 children. I love teaching and am now involved in the GPST training programme, teaching Dermatology. I also teach medical students, FY2s and GP trainees at our practice.

How IYASU was born. Upon looking for a doctor’s bag for work I couldn’t really find any that I liked. I noticed that all the designs were very masculine. I looked everywhere (online) and I asked other female GPs what they used as their doctor’s bag. They were using camera bags, nappy bags, designer handbags, gym bags etc. It seemed like there was a bit of a gap in this niche market. The gladstone bag (traditional, iconic GP bag) was designed 150 years ago when only men were allowed to go to medical school and practice as doctors). Now over 50% of medical students are female and women outnumber men in General Practice. I wondered why the accessories for medics hadn’t changed to reflect the changing demographic. I started making sketches and took my designs to Business Gateway (there is a local Business Gateway Office for almost everyone in the UK) who received my ideas with enthusiasm and supported me to develop them further. IYASU (which means “to heal” in Japanese) took around 3-4 years of development prior to launch in March 2023.

IYASU produces 6 styles of Medical Bags in various colours. They contain multiple bespoke pockets for medical equipment and are made from recycled materials – predominantly recycled plastic bottles. They are named after pioneering female doctors and designed for modern female healthcare workers (doctors, nurses, pharmacists – anyone who does home visits – an hospital doctors if they perhaps have their own equipment to take between NHS and private centres). IYASU gives back to charities that support girls’ education worldwide. We’re currently supporting the AKAYA foundation – founded by Dr Khadija Owusu –We’ve also donated to Diabetes charities and Kidney research.

I’m super passionate and enthusiastic about my medical career and my business. I believe that portfolio careers build our strength and personal growth. I would never want to give up being a doctor as it is my vocation and I have trained so hard. I find enormous