BSc Sport and Exercise Sciences
“I still draw on this knowledge when performing and interpreting the results from exercise tests performed by patients with heart or lung disease at the hospital.”
What I have been doing since graduation
I am currently working at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham as a trainee Clinical Respiratory Scientist. I am in my final year of a three year course called the Scientific Training Programme (STP). My job involves performing and interpreting a range of respiratory and sleep tests performed by patients with known or suspected lung/sleep disease.
After completing my undergraduate degree I was offered a scholarship to undertake a PhD at the University of Birmingham investigating the effects of a sleep disorder called Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA). I then worked as a research associate on a large clinical study on patients with a common respiratory disorder called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This helped me to decide I wanted to work for the NHS as a respiratory scientist.
How my course benefited me
As an undergraduate I studied Sport and Exercise Sciences at the University of Birmingham. From a young age I was fascinated by human physiology and in particular the effects of exercise. The course allowed me to select modules that satisfied this interest such as; Human Cardiovascular Control, Mechanisms of Adaptations to Training and Physical Activity and Health.
The knowledge of respiratory and cardiovascular physiology learnt from these taught modules and the experience of undertaking a final year research project (dissertation) provided me with the skills to undertake my doctorate in respiratory physiology. I still draw on this knowledge when performing and interpreting the results from exercise tests performed by patients with heart or lung disease at the hospital.
My first year in Birmingham
I can honestly say that my first year in Birmingham was the most enjoyable year of my life. Having had a year out in Australia (classic gap year) and returning just one week before my course started I was quite reluctant to begin studying again. But, let's be honest, the first year is more about making great friends and for many enjoying the freedom that living away from home gives you. Nonetheless, charismatic lecturers such as the crowd favourite Dr Balanos kept me both interested and focused, setting me up well for working hard in my next two years.
How going to University benefitted me
I found my course both interesting and challenging which provided me the skills to develop a career as a clinical scientist. I made a number of friends for life including my best man, ushers and readers at my wedding who I all met on my first day at university.
Campus life
For a chap who comes from the countryside it was great to have such a green campus with sports pitches and within walking distance from both my halls of residence (the Vale) and where I lived in the second and third year (Selly Oak). With the university having a train station you were less than 10 minutes form the city center anyway so you had the best of both worlds.
Living in Birmingham
I had stayed with my older sister, who also studied at the University of Birmingham, who made some great friends so I had an idea of what it could be like. However, I think I was even more lucky as I made a group of friends not only from my halls of residence, but also my course and with the university cricket team… there was always someone to have a drink or five with!
Student societies I took part in
I played for the University cricket team and held positions in the committee. I also worked for the Guild as a community warden helping both students and residents in Selly Oak.
My future aspirations
I’d like to become the lead respiratory scientist in a small/medium NHS respiratory and sleep department and have the opportunity to develop the service whilst continuing to undertake clinical research.
My top tip
Play hard during your first year and develop a good group of friends who can support you when you work hard during your second and third year. Oh, and live in Selly Oak, don’t even consider living anywhere else or at home even if your family are from the West Midlands.