Healthcare science
What is healthcare science?
There are 50,000 NHS healthcare scientists. Compared to the 1.3 million strong NHS workforce, this is only a small proportion, however we are a hugely important and very diverse workforce. Collectively, we perform over 80% of all diagnoses. We are involved in the entire patient pathway, from diagnosis, decision-making, treatment, and rehabilitation across 54 specialisms (areas) of medicine.
Being a healthcare scientist is exciting, interesting, fulfilling and challenging, and there is a role to suit everyone.
Healthcare science is split into four main areas, each with its own sub-disciplines:
Dr Emma Jones
My route into healthcare science was not the smooth journey that many people follow today, and it certainly wasn’t something I set out to do when I was choosing a university degree. It wasn’t even on my radar when I finished my undergraduate degree. This was in biology with a side order of psychology, and I always knew I wanted to do something that changed things and made life better for people. When I finished my degree, I travelled the world (which I whole-heartedly recommend) and largely put off making any decision about what I was going to do with my life. On my return to the UK, I was offered an interesting sounding job working in a medical physics department in clinical measurement. I started in a trainee clinical scientist role which would now be considered an apprenticeship or in-service science training programme. During my time as a trainee, I completed a Masters in Medical Informatics and Healthcare Technology, and later went through equivalence to become a HCPC-registered clinical scientist.
I have had many exciting development opportunities during my career with great support from many amazing leaders/bosses. They obviously saw something in me and have been some of my biggest supporters. I was very fortunate to be funded through a part-time clinical research PhD, which was a labour of love. Since completing it a decade ago I have been involved in research, developed a GI physiology service and have had the privilege to work with some fantastic people and lead some great teams at University Hospital Southampton. My most recent endeavour was completing a year-long clinical leadership fellowship with Faculty of Medical Leadership and Management which was the most transformative experience of my career to date.
I started my healthcare science career 25 years ago as a bit of a square peg in a round hole, but I found the right fit. I love the fact I really enjoy my job and get to make a difference to the quality of people’s lives. I now work in a dual role as the Head of Clinical Measurement at University Hospitals Dorset and the Lead Healthcare Scientist for Dorset (ICB).
I would recommend if you’re interested in a career in healthcare science but not sure whether you have exactly the right credentials its worth applying, particularly if you are keen, interested and genuinely care about people. I am a firm believer that as a healthcare science manager and a leader I can teach you the skills and knowledge you need to become a good scientist, but it’s much harder to teach being a team player, showing initiative, having common sense and integrity, having a strong work ethic, and treating people with compassion. These attributes are as important as scientific knowledge.