Real-life story - Lizzie Dobson

I have a biological sciences degree and was looking for a career that combined science and working with people. I heard about the three-year NHS Scientist Training Programme and did some work experience in physiology [1] departments at my local hospital.

I also volunteered on an elderly care ward for a few months and really enjoyed spending time with the patients. Both of those experiences confirmed that I would enjoy a job in healthcare science.

I’m currently in my first year of the NHS Scientist Training Programme. This year I am doing short placements in different departments to learn new skills and about the links between different departments.

I spend four days a week in the respiratory [2] physiology [1] and sleep department, assisting with clinical work such pulmonary function testing and observing my colleagues running exercise tests, oxygen clinics and sleep clinics to learn more.

I then have a day each week to study in the library, keep my work-based training competencies up to date and work on my Master’s study work.

The best thing is that my job is patient-facing most of the time and I learn new things every day.

There’s quite a high workload and I make some mistakes, but there are always new things to learn.

I love running and singing. Both are fantastic ways to switch off after work!

It’s important to enjoy caring for and being with patients every day and it’s important to be compassionate, energetic and diligent.

There are lots of new things to learn so you should be willing to have a go and ask questions.