Dr. Woods is a medical doctor from Cambridge University and Guy's Hospital who became a management consultant in healthcare, working with many clients in the Life Science and Healthcare market, including governments, public sector organisations and private sector corporations in healthcare provision, pharmaceuticals/biotechnology and Life Sciences intellectual property.

After completion of a MBA at INSEAD, Penny went on to lead and deliver a range of major projects including the design and implementation of the Neurosciences Centre at King’s Healthcare Trust. She was responsible for the European start up and launch strategy for a US biotechnology company (resulting in acquisition of the successful company by Pfizer), and she also set up a community-based PCT specialty services for a private polyclinic in London. Expanding on her role in consulting, Dr. Woods then went on to head up several senior roles at corporate level for BTG plc, a company specialising in the development and commercialisation of intellectual property in the Life Sciences.

Since 2007 Penny has been an investor and advisor for new and developing businesses, including a polyclinic provider and new medical devices. She sits as a Non Executive Director for a mobile MRI company and was also a Non Executive Director and Chair of the Coronary Heart Disease Committee for West Hertfordshire Health Authority.

Dr. Woods’ latest appointment, as from May 2009, is as the new CEO of Picker Institute Europe, a leading charitable authority and advocate for patient-centred healthcare. PIE aims to promote understanding of the patient's perspective at all levels of healthcare policy and practice, working internationally with patients, professionals and policy makers.