Healthcare Science Week 2025

This Healthcare Science Week, we will be meeting members of Team North West Anglia who work in Healthcare Science disciplines. Melanie is a Chief Respiratory Physiologist and has shared with us why she wanted to work in Healthcare Science: 

 

Why did you want to work in Healthcare Science? 

"I came into this career without even knowing my role existed! I knew I wanted to work in a patient facing roll and had studied Midwifery at University. I was fascinated with physiology and how the body worked and wanted to be in a role where I could apply physiology. In 2009 I was asked if I could be a  ‘patient’ for a day during a Respiratory Physiology examination weekend at Royal Papworth Hospital. It was this chance encounter that opened to my eyes to the wonderful world of Respiratory Physiology.  A few months later I saw a vacancy advertised as Trainee Respiratory Physiologist which combined a four-year degree programme with a full-time role within the Respiratory Physiology department (similar to the Degree Apprenticeship Programme today) and have never looked back!"

 

Why do you love your role?

"The role is extremely varied. I perform a variety of diagnostic tests which can tell you information about the lung size, lung mechanics, gas exchange, airway function, respiratory muscles and oxygenation during rest, exercise and whilst you sleep! We can perform tests that help us work out if patients have sensitivities to allergens that directly affect the airways. We can even perform a test that simulates the amount of oxygen you require during flight!  Working in diagnostics means that you see the physiology of health and disease unfold in front of you whilst you are testing the patient. Another significant part of my role is education, and I provide lung physiologically training to the MDT and regionally. I am also a work-based supervisor for our rolling apprenticeship and graduate training programmes."

 

How/why would you recommend others get into a career in Healthcare Science?

"I get to work with a fantastic team of physiologists, nurses and consultants who are incredibly supportive. I’m passionate about raising the profile of Healthcare Scientists and will rally this at any given opportunity. I came into this role by chance, without knowing it existed, and it shouldn’t be that way. The reality is that there is a Healthcare Science workforce crisis, but the opportunities are out there to come into this role at any point of your life. Wouldn’t it be great to hear children grow up saying one day I want to be a Respiratory Physiologist, because, let’s be honest, it’s awesome!"