We rounded off Healthcare Science Week on Friday 17 March by inviting science students to a careers fair at Queen’s Hospital.

It gave young people from across our boroughs a chance to speak to our healthcare scientists across different branches of the profession, and learn more about the careers open to them.

For Michael Effa (pictured above with dad George), 17, who is studying for a BTEC in science, it opened his eyes to possible jobs he didn’t know existed.

He said: “I’ve not decided what I want to do yet but I’m interested in working in health, so it was really good to hear from people in the field. I was quite interested to find out more about physiological science and clinical engineering.

“I’ve found out about jobs I didn’t know about before.”

Among colleagues sharing their expertise on the day were Kouthame Santhirababu and Heloise Carpenter (above l-r), who work in imaging physics which includes x-rays and CT scans involving ionising radiation.

They brought along some of the tools they use such as ‘scan phantoms’, including a model of a baby with a very small skull fracture, and torso with tumours. Using these phantoms help to check our machines to ensure these issues are picked up.

For Heloise it was a great opportunity to help fellow students find their path as this is her first job out of university, and she is continuing her training to become a clinical scientist.

Paul Longman (pictured below), a clinical technologist who helps look after our equipment, was also keen to share more about his role with local students.

He said: “I didn’t know about this job when I was at school so I like to help bring more people into clinical engineering.

“It’s really nice talking to students who are interested in the field. There are always new technologies which keep things fresh.”

Throughout Healthcare Science Week we held a range of virtual learning events to bring scientists together across our Trust, as well as providing more info of pursuing careers in the field.

Funmi Akinlade, consultant clinical scientist in biochemistry, also shared more about her role and why she was keen to raise awareness about healthcare science careers. Read more.

Pictured below are Rosy Cornhill, deputy chief technician, and Karen Gannon, head of nuclear medicine.