What year did you graduate?
2008
What course did you study?
Clinical Physiology BSc – Respiratory and Sleep
What is your current role?
Consultant Clinical Scientist, I am the head of respiratory physiology including lung function, sleep and ventilation at St George’s Hospital. I also teach at St George’s University, delivering lectures particularly on sleep and ventilation in years 2 and 3.
How did you get into your current role?
After completing my degree I have undertaken additional responsibilities including teaching, being on the board of registered polysomnographic technologists and becoming a registered Clinical Scientist. In addition to the courses and qualifications, it is important to extend skills in presenting research and audits at national and international conferences. I spent time gaining as much experience as possible; I worked in a regional sleep and MND centre for 5 years gaining experience in tracheostomy ventilation and non-invasive ventilation. I moved to St George’s as a Chief Clinical Physiologist, however, after a few years and gaining more experience in sleep medicine, expanding the service and developing a paediatrics department, I applied for a re-grade hence becoming a Consultant. I am also involved in other projects including being chair of the ARTP sleep committee, and currently represent South West London on the Respiratory Scientist Network linking in with NHS England.
Can you describe a typical day?
Days are extremely varied - I can be in a sleep or ventilation clinic in the morning getting to know the patients and families then often in a meeting, followed by either home or hospice visits for palliative patients in the afternoon. Other days I will be on full research and audit mode, concentrating in my office. But I can only really complete this work if all of my patient outcomes are complete. I like to have regular catch ups with my seniors to ensure they are supported and on the right track for their own development as well as the tasks they are undertaking. That’s if I do not have to write a presentation for an upcoming teaching session, or develop work on behalf of committees and networks.
What do you enjoy about your role?
I love being able to decide the provisions in my department including what direction I would like to develop next. I have enjoyed expanding the department over the last 7 years and certainly have more plans that will cover me for at least another 5!
It is corny but I really enjoy my team. I have personally selected each and every one of them and they are fantastic and are all a great addition to the George’s family. We all like to get stuck in and have a laugh at the same time.
What do you find challenging in your current role?
Juggling the various demands from the trust, patients, my staff, and the various committees. However, this also makes it very exciting with crazy moments which I tend to thrive on, and quieter moments which I tend to appreciate even more.
On a more personal level, I support patients on ventilation including those transitioning from paediatrics and end of life patients; these are definitely the most challenging whilst also being the most rewarding. Seeing these groups of patients regularly along with their family is a privilege, to be able to really make a difference and see it is special, but this can sometimes be emotionally challenging when you are present until the very end.
What advice would you give to a current student at St George’s who is keen to get in to a similar area of work as you?
Experience! No task is too small or insignificant. Whatever you are asked to do, take it on as learning more and more - this will give you a good grounding for the future. Really knowing how things work inside out and not just our clinical skills but also procurement for example, understanding all aspects of a service is vital.
Which aspects of your degree are relevant for your current role?
Gosh - all of it! At the time I questioned the relevance of some of the topics but if I were to do it again, I would make sure I lapped it all up. It is surprising how much maths, physics, and communication skills are involved in my everyday role. It is definitely not all physiology.
Do you have any advice or a message for current students at St George’s?
You are in such an exciting position; you really can control how much you get out of every aspect of your degree and placements. It is important to be proactive, relish opportunities and enjoy every moment.
Do you have any advice or a message for students considering studying at St George’s?
Come and join the family! If what I have written above hasn’t enticed you then there is nothing more I can say.