Katherine Potter

When Katherine Brulant ép Potter proudly received her MSc in Women’s Health at the University of Buckingham’s graduation ceremony, it marked more than just academic achievement. It was a statement of intent. In a country where women’s health is still not recognised as a distinct discipline, Katherine is determined to change the conversation. From the heart of Switzerland’s healthcare system, she’s using her new expertise to spark a shift in awareness - one conversation, one clinic, one decision-maker at a time.

Based in Switzerland and working in a private hospital, Katherine has found herself on a unique path: one where newly acquired academic insights are being used to challenge healthcare norms in her home country. Her story is one of professional growth, personal conviction, and a powerful sense of purpose.
“In Switzerland, the concept of women’s health isn’t very well known or established - at least not in the way it is in Anglo-Saxon countries,” Katherine shared. “It’s a relatively new idea that still needs a lot of promotion.”

That simple yet striking observation became the seed of a mission. For Katherine, the MSc wasn’t just about professional development - it was about gaining the tools to advocate for a more holistic, structured approach to women’s health where it doesn’t yet exist.

A Course That Changed Everything

Katherine’s decision to study Women’s Health was driven by a desire to deepen her understanding and to fill what she saw as a gap in her local healthcare system. What she discovered was a programme that was as comprehensive as it was eye-opening.

“There’s so much more we need to ask and consider when we’re caring for women,” she explained. “It’s not just about period pain or abdominal symptoms. Everything is interconnected. We need to take a holistic approach throughout a woman’s life - from puberty to old age.”

The course covered both pathology and prevention, an approach Katherine believes could help prevent countless illnesses if adopted more widely. And it wasn’t just theoretical knowledge - one of her assignments, which involved writing a business case for a family planning clinic, ignited a new interest in healthcare management.
“That opened my eyes to the organisational side of healthcare,” she said. “It made me realise just how much there is to learn about the business side of health - because health is a business, even if it’s not for profit.”

That insight inspired her next academic goal: studying for an MBA in health management. Unlike her MSc, which she completed online with Learna, she’ll be studying locally, in a classroom setting. But it was her online postgraduate experience that gave her the confidence to pursue this next step.

A Flexible Platform for Change

Katherine’s experience with Learna was shaped by the very flexibility that has made its postgraduate programmes a lifeline for healthcare professionals around the world. Working 42 hours a week in a hospital setting, she still managed to complete the course thanks to its asynchronous format.
“You organise your own time, set your own priorities, and structure your learning in a way that works for you,” she said. “If I’d had to factor in travel or fixed schedules, I wouldn’t have been able to do it.”

But it wasn’t just about convenience - the course encouraged critical thinking and self-directed exploration, something she believes is crucial for those who want to make meaningful change.

“It’s perfect for someone who enjoys being challenged and made to think,” Katherine noted. “It’s not just about receiving information, it encourages you to go beyond the content.”

A Call for Change at Home

What makes Katherine’s story stand out is her determination to take what she’s learned and bring it home, not just intellectually, but systemically. In Switzerland, she explains, women’s health is often fragmented, lacking the cohesion and recognition it deserves as a distinct and essential discipline.

“Of course, I know I can’t change the world on my own,” she said, “but if more people start talking about women’s health, that’s already a step in the right direction.”
Katherine doesn’t plan to set up her own practice - instead, she hopes to help develop a dedicated women’s health offering within her hospital. It’s a realistic and deeply meaningful goal, one that could have a lasting impact on the lives of Swiss women.

By bringing global knowledge to a local context, Katherine is doing more than applying her education, she’s advocating for a cultural shift. One that treats women’s health not as an afterthought, but as a pillar of healthcare that deserves its own space, structure, and champions.

Looking Ahead

For Katherine, graduation wasn’t the end - it was a springboard. Armed with new knowledge and a clear vision, she’s preparing to continue her learning, amplify her advocacy, and help reshape healthcare from within. And perhaps most importantly, she’s proving that meaningful change doesn’t always begin with a grand gesture. Sometimes, it starts with a single voice - informed, empowered, and unwavering - asking the right questions, in the right place, at the right time.