Prof. Sohier Elneil (University College London) UK

Sohier’s breakthrough scientific findings on purinergic signalling (published in 2001), dramatically changed the conventional understanding of the pathophysiology of bladder dysfunction which had focussed on the detrusor muscle being the sole progenitor of these conditions, rather than the nervous system. Her work switched the focus from a muscular aetiology for pelvic floor disorders to a neurological basis. This led to the expansion and advancement in the field of neurourogynaecology and therapeutics, which not only influenced the understanding of the sequalae of chronic pelvic pain, female genital mutilation, obstetric fistulas, and mesh complications, but helped eliminate harmful practices and contribute to improved patient safety and care. This culminated in the creation, development, and hosting of Obstract at the invitation of the Royal Society in 2017, with her colleagues in the field.

Sohier’s scientific findings became the basis of her clinical research on neurological pelvic floor disorders and neuromodulation. Her research findings had a significant and positive impact in providing innovative therapeutic options for women with intractable pelvic floor disorders. Thereafter, ongoing clinical research provided the evidence for widespread dissemination amongst colleagues. This was achieved by extending the applicability of the science to the therapies, optimizing surgery, developing better technology, and leading trials for new treatments in the UK.

Sohier’s globally recognised expertise in pelvic floor disorders placed her at the forefront of the field. It was on the basis of her work on continence and prolapse mesh complications that helped lead to the NHS commissioning nine national centres to provide women with care following problems with mesh. She lead the largest national centre in the country. In a ground-breaking approach she collaborated directly with patient focus groups, and multi-disciplinary clinical teams,
in developing the gold standard pathway of care that has been adopted across many UK centres. This pioneering model of care is now being adapted across other domains of women’s health.

Sohier has formed an exceptional network of national and international collaborations not only in the arenas outlined above, but also in the field of Obstetric Fistula, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Global Health. In the field of fistula, SHE pioneered, authored, and edited the curriculum and training modules for the Global Competency-Based Fistula Surgery Training Manual, first published in 2011, followed closely by the interactive video-trainer based on the manual. Both have been instrumental in wider uptake of this specialist surgical training. This has also safeguarded abetter standard of care for women in Africa and Asia. Furthermore, this led to the Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS) Postgraduate programme for training not only in fistula surgery but in pelvic floor disorders, which now resides within the West African College of Surgeons portfolio for postgraduate training. This successful programme has been adopted by other professional societies in Africa and Asia.

As a recognised international expert in FPMRS, Sohier plays a key role in the work of national and international medical societies, patients’ organisations, professional societies, government, and non-government agencies as well as charities thus facilitating better patient and public involvement. She is regularly invited to speak at UK and international conferences; with over 100 invited talks attended in the last decade. Her success in this work lies in her ability to engage with multiple stakeholders simultaneously, using a variety of mediums and platforms, to co-produce new knowledge and transform services.

She has been invited to co-lead on research and education for pelvic health in the UK, the EU, Africa, and the USA, as well as participate in numerous committees. These have included the National Institute for Care and Excellence, the G4 Alliance, Engender Health, and the World Health Organization. She collaborates on a regular basis with multiple national and international agencies. Sohier’s great interest in the wider social and cultural issues of women’s health is evidenced in her work with multiple charities, and national and international groups. This comprises public speaking events, media interviews, conference presentations, fundraising events, social mobility events in girl schools, and the production of policy documents, training tools, checklists, and care pathways to increase awareness of pelvic floor disorders in women.

Globally, she has contributed to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, supervision, and mentoring in the UK, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and most recently Ukraine. Many of her students have published their work in peer-reviewed journals and some have won prizes at national meetings. She has promoted and implemented Training the Trainers at multiple organisations, on behalf of FIGO and local Academic institutions. She is an external examiner for postgraduate degrees at Universities throughout Africa and serves as an international expert advisor for the Centre for Population and Reproductive Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan.