Dr Penny Montgomery (née Rickman) reflects on her time at St Paul’s Collegiate School with three key members of staff springing to mind Dr Kay Etheredge (Staff 1988-2002), Mr Mike Shaw (Staff 1970-2002) and Mr Steve Cole (Headmaster, 1992-2001). Each played an inspirational role in her journey to becoming the successful co-founder and Senior Medical Advisor of Optimal Clinical Trials. Penny’s team is at the forefront of medical research in New Zealand, leading work that helps new drugs, vaccines, and medical devices reach patients safely and effectively.

Penny (Harington 1995-1996) recalls the lasting impact of Dr Etheredge’s biology lessons, particularly the hands-on learning. Penny remembers collecting crickets at dusk and later dissecting them in class. “Dr Etheredge was very systematic in her approach to learning and studying, which continued to help me hugely post-school,” she says.

Dr Etheredge transformed biology teaching, serving as the first female Head of Department. She also assisted in the development of the Curriculum Committee, chairing both it and her associated faculty. She was appointed Housemaster of Harington House in 1992. Penny was her head of Harington Boarding during its fourth year. During her time Dr Etheredge initiated trips to Tihoi for new students, insisted on a more fitting name than the “Birds’ Nest” for the house and shaped the girls’ boarding experience with her focus on single rooms.

Penny also remembers Mr Steve Cole for being very personable and present in all aspects of school life, and is grateful to Mr Mike Shaw, her chemistry teacher. Penny arrived at St Paul’s in Form Six (now Year 12), having never studied chemistry before and was struggling with the basics. Mr Shaw’s early-morning tutorials, firm but kind approach, and incredible patience helped set her up for future success.

After leaving St Paul’s, Penny enrolled at the University of Otago, initially planning to study law and psychology. It was only once she arrived in Dunedin that she decided to switch to pre-med. “I genuinely didn’t think I was bright enough for medicine,” she admits. She later completed her medical degree in Wellington.

During her studies, she met her future husband, Barney. After working as junior doctors, the pair headed overseas, spending time in the UK and working in the National Health Service (NHS) before returning home to train as general practitioners. A turning point came when Barney was asked to run a small clinical trial for a sore-throat spray. Working out of a tiny room in Mt Eden with just a nurse, the couple saw the potential for research to help patients on a much larger scale.

They founded Optimal Clinical Trials in 2013. What began as a team of three has since grown to more than 100 staff, contributing to medicines now approved for conditions including severe eczema, asthma, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, obesity, and vaccines. In 2023, Optimal Clinical Trials was acquired by NZCR Group, making it the largest clinical research organisation in New Zealand and opening the door to even greater international collaboration.

“There are moments you never forget,” Penny says. “Seeing patients with severe eczema improve right in front of your eyes, or being part of research that changed asthma management globally.” One recent highlight included presenting obesity research at the American Diabetes Association Conference in Chicago.

While her professional achievements are significant, Penny says her proudest accomplishment is personal. “Our three kids are absolutely our biggest achievement.” With the children aged 14, 12, and 9, the family is enjoying spending more time together as Penny, now in a senior advisory role, has been able to step back slightly from day-to-day operations.

For students unsure about their future, her message is simple: keep your options open. “I had no idea what I wanted to do when I left school,” she says. “Choosing a broad range of subjects gave me flexibility. Medicine felt impossible at first, but through hard work and grit, I got there.” She adds that while a long degree can seem daunting, “once you’re on the journey, the time flies and despite how hard it can be, it’s incredibly rewarding.”