Phil Brown, a nursing student at the University of Lancashire who works at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals, is helping to challenge stereotypes about men in health and social care through his involvement in the Men Do Care campaign.
For Phil, the campaign is vital in showing that nursing and caring roles are about compassion and professionalism - not gender.
He also stresses that a more balanced workforce benefits patients, explaining: “People have preferences over who provides their care. By having more men in the profession, patients get genuine choice.
“Sometimes male patients even feel more comfortable and less embarrassed with a male nurse during certain procedures. As men we can make a real difference, and recognising that and giving patients choice is important.”
Beyond his studies, Phil helps run Men In Nursing Together (MINT) – a Facebook community of over 2,700 members where male nurses and care professionals share advice and support one another. As a volunteer administrator, he keeps the group active with posts, discussions, and opportunities.
Through Men Do Care and MINT, Philip hopes to inspire more men to see nursing and care as rewarding, meaningful career paths.
He said: “It’s important men in care professions can come together, share knowledge and ideas, and ultimately support each other to progress in their careers.”
"I find nursing very rewarding but there are men who don’t think they can do the role, or haven’t explored what it entails. If they gave it a try, I think many would find it’s exactly the kind of meaningful career they’re looking for."
— Phil Brown
Phil’s career journey has taken him from TV and radio to working as a healthcare assistant, and now into nurse training. He says this path shows how diverse and rewarding care careers can be – and he is determined to challenge misconceptions while highlighting the value men bring to health and social care.
He said: “I find nursing very rewarding but there are men who don’t think they can do the role, or haven’t explored what it entails. If they gave it a try, I think many would find it’s exactly the kind of meaningful career they’re looking for.
“Men Do Care is about breaking those stigmas and encouraging more men to consider a career in the sector.”