This week's hall of fame member is Jo Laycock.
Name: Jo Laycock
Profession: Physiotherapist
Biography: Jo Laycock first attended ICS in 1985 (London) while working on her PhD (which she defended in 1991). Jo stated that it was an 'eye-opener' to the multidisciplinary scientific world and she became hooked! Thereafter, she attended most meetings until around 2012. Jo received the OBE from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in 2001 for 'Services to Incontinence'. She is perhaps best known for the PERFECT assessment mnemonic. Jo received the ICS Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011 and was presented with her award during the annual meeting held that year in Glasgow. Jo declared that it had been a great honour to receive such an award.
Why are you an ICS member: I first heard about the ICS while working in Bradford. I applied to become a member, attending the conference in London chaired by Stuart Stanton. Wow! I was blown away by the presentations and it influenced my whole research approach thereafter. I would return after each conference 'fired-up' with new ideas for research. I always saw myself as a clinician, not an academic, and so continued to practice, learn and teach for the rest of my working life. I still read and enjoy Neurourology and Urodynamics today! I think the great attraction of the ICS was to meet other clinicians from around the world; famous people from many disciplines, that one reads about. My mentor back in the eighties was Angela Shepherd a gynaecologist from Bristol working with Paul Abrams, and I have kept in touch with her ever since. She encouraged me and introduced me to many other clinicians and seemed to break down the barrier between doctors and physiotherapists/nurses which I found so helpful.
Which was your first ICS meeting: London, 3rd - 6th September 1985
Special ICS memories: I remember dressing-up as Dolly Parton and miming to 'Jolene' at the first Physio. Round Table and again in a pub in Heidleberg. I must have looked quite ridiculous!!!
Biggest influence: Angela Shepherd (Bristol). She seemed to believe in me before I believed in myself. I would also like to thank my late husband for his encouragement and support.