Case studies: Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening technician: Sophie Connolly

Sophie has a degree in physiology from the University of Manchester. She works as an abdominal aortic aneurysm screening technician, based at St Mary's Hospital in London.

After graduation I wasn't sure what career I wished to pursue but felt it would be in the NHS. I therefore did some work experience in a couple of hospitals, spending time in the theatres watching a number of cardiac operations, including an aortic valve replacement. I then started looking for work on NHS Jobs , which was where I saw and applied for the job I now have.

My degree from the The University of Manchester  was vital as a relevant science degree was essential for the role. During my time at university I was also a Faculty of Life Sciences student ambassador. This involved taking students and their parents around the university campus, showing them important places, answering any questions and taking the students to their interviews. This was an important position with a lot of responsibility. It also helped improve my communication skills with people of different ages, which is very useful for the job I have now as I have to communicate with a wide range of people.

My job involves performing an ultrasound scan on men aged 65, to see if they have an aortic aneurysm in their abdomen. On arrival at work I set up the ultrasound machine and print out the list of patients for the day. Each meeting with a patient is roughly the same: I first talk them through the procedure and explain what an abdominal aortic aneurysm is; after getting their consent I carry out the scan, which takes between five and ten minutes; I then talk them through the results - either everything is fine and they don't need to be seen again or they do have an aneurysm and need to be monitored, or sent for an operation as soon as possible.

Having a physiology degree is very useful as many patients want to know more than the basic level of information we usually give them. It is therefore helpful to know the human body in more detail and know what certain drugs are taken for, as it can answer the patient's questions and also makes them feel more at ease.

I enjoy working with people/patients. I get to see on average 15 men a day, all with different stories to tell. I also enjoy giving patients good news, as they are generally very grateful, which makes me feel like I am doing some good with my time.

On a technical level, certain patients, such as those with a high BMI, can be very challenging to scan as their higher level of fat can make it difficult to visualise their aorta. I often have to decide whether to continue trying to scan the patient or give up and refer them to a vascular scientist. On a personal level, it can be challenging telling the patients that they do have an aneurysm, as some men can become quite distressed.

I would advise students to get some work experience in an NHS hospital, preferably in the vascular department. It is also important to do a lot of research into abdominal aortic aneurysms, as it is not a very well-known disease.

AGCAS

Sourced by AGCAS editors

Date: 

September 2011

© Copyright AGCAS & Graduate Prospects Ltd | Disclaimer