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Home > Explore roles > Healthcare science > Roles in healthcare science > Physiological sciences > Cardiac sciences > Real-life story - Samantha Thorn

"Working in the catheter labs is very exciting, especially during an angioplasty."

From a young age, Samanatha was interested in the workings of the heart, and chose biology, chemistry and physical education as her A level subjects.

Samantha Thorn

Trainee healthcare scientist

Employer or university
University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust
  • I’m qualified to perform a range of diagnostic cardiac tests such as electrocardiograms [1] (ECGs), exercise tolerance tests, ‘tilt’ tests, and 24-hour heart monitors. Every day is different and I interact with patients both in clinics and on the wards.

    I am also a key part of the team during cardiac procedures like angiograms, angioplasty (mechanically widening narrowed or obstructed arteries) and pacemaker implantation. I monitor the patient’s physiology [2], using ECG interpretation and blood pressure monitoring from inside the heart.

  • Working in the catheter [3] labs is very exciting, especially during an angioplasty. It’s extremely rewarding to know I’ve played a part in the procedure and helped to stabilise the patient.

  • I studied for a BSc Hons degree in Healthcare Science, specialising in cardiac physiology [2] (PTP [4]). Doing a clinically based degree meant there was a lot more to it than lectures and exams. Time on placement allowed me to put into practice what I’d learnt on the course.


Source URL:https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/Explore-roles/healthcare-science/roles-healthcare-science/physiological-sciences/cardiac-sciences/real-life-story-samantha-thorn

Links
[1] https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/glossary#Electrocardiograms [2] https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/glossary#Physiology [3] https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/glossary#Catheter [4] https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/glossary#PTP