Getting Curious with Evan Francis
We are very excited to welcome Ev Francis to the Curious Health team.
Prior to joining Curious Health, Ev led the Communications Department at Action for M.E. working with the Government on a cross-party delivery plan for Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). She worked with the Department of Health, and the former Health Secretary Sajid Javid to establish the priorities and the top level for the change needed between patients and healthcare professionals as well as research priorities for ME. Ev played a key part in communications surrounding World ME Day as well as the Priority Setting Partnership on ME/CFS. Ev also co-led the communications for the recruitment launch of DecodeME – a genetic research study on why certain people develop ME, through the use of a saliva sample.
Ev has been featured on BBC News and in articles written by the Daily Telegraph and as a regular column for The ME Essential magazine.
Ev said: ‘I’ve seen first-hand the impact a lack of quality health communications has on those living with misunderstood conditions. When using patient experience and asking questions, we can improve the dialogue between patients and healthcare professionals for today and for tomorrow.’
Getting curious with Ev
Why did you want to join Curious Health?
Who doesn’t want to ask the why? I’ve always been one to challenge and ask questions. I want to ask the questions that provoke healthcare professionals to make changes to their established way of doing things. So, when Curious Health launched it felt like the perfect mix. A blend of both my professional and personal taste buds coming together. I’m very excited to be joining the business as we grow and continue to get curious.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a teacher but soon realised that I could be more like Miss Trunchbull from Matilda than Miss Honey.
What was the last song you listened to?
Geri Halliwell, Raining Men
What do you do when you’re not working?
I enjoy Bollywood dancing and yoga alongside aqua aerobics. I also enjoy cooking, baking, and writing my award-winning website.
Do you have a go-to karaoke song?
Jocelyn Brown, Somebody Else’s Guy
Tell us an embarrassing moment
I took my car to the garage thinking my air conditioning had broken but I was mistakenly thinking the TTC, traction control was the air conditioning.
What’s something you saw recently that made you laugh?
Diane Morgan playing Philomena Cunk, a fictional poorly informed interviewer.
What’s something you’ve done, but you’ll never do again?
Parallel Park
What’s your favourite TV show?
I love The Grand Tour or Top Gear featuring Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond. I have no interest in cars, but I do have a crush on Richard Hammond; a shame that didn’t come in handy when I thought TTC meant air conditioning.
What are you passionate about?
Improving how invisible disability is understood in society, improving understanding of chronic neurological conditions through questioning and advocating for those whose voices are not being heard.
Interested to hear more about our work culture here at Curious Health?