The 11th of February has been declared by the United Nations General Assembly as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. The purpose of the day is to achieve full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls and to further achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.
At present, less than 30 per cent of researchers worldwide are women. According to UNESCO data (2014 - 2016), only around 30 per cent of all female students select STEM-related fields in higher education. The British Society of Echocardiography welcomes the opportunity to highlight the contribution of the many female scientists in the echo community. Encouraging young women to ask questions is a key facet of our approach to inspiring greater involvement in STEM.
As part of our work to encourage young women into science and specifically, cardiac science, Tarin, 14 and Ruby, 15, sent in questions for a few of our members.
First up was Harpreet Kaur Sahemey, Senior Specialist Echocardiographer at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.
Tarin: How did you know you wanted to work in the field of science?
Harpreet: Sixth form was definitely a ‘highly pressurised’ time of my life as it was for my other colleagues. The decisions we make at this point in time determines the outcome of potential career paths and life choices. My grandfather in his later years had many hospital appointments for various tests and investigations, one them being an echocardiogram. I was intrigued and fascinated at how the heart could be visualised and interpreted in ‘real time’ with regards to its structures and movement. I then undertook an undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering which consisted of a module called ‘medical ultrasound’. This gave me foundation knowledge of the physics involved in general ultrasound. I then decided to undertake a masters in medical ultrasound specialising in echocardiography to allow me to pursue this as a career.
Tarin: Have there ever been times where you doubted yourself/felt like changing your mind?
Harpreet: When I began the masters degree, I was completely overwhelmed by the intensity and volume of knowledge I felt that I lacked, especially not knowing certain medical terminology. Being the type of person who picks up skills quickly and having been so academic, I really struggled in the first few months of the course. I even wanted to drop out! But, I decided to not be a defeatist and persevered. I began to improve in my understanding and practical skills at acquiring images of a standard and eventually excelled. At the end of the course, I was lucky enough to apply for a job at my clinical placement, and 9 years later I haven’t looked back since!
Tarin: Is there any advice you have for someone considering a career in this field of STEM/medicine?
Harpreet: The advice I would give to anyone who wanted to pursue a career in echocardiography is to read and watch - a lot! Now there are so many platforms that showcase echo cases of certain pathologies which makes it so much easier to learn and understand than by a non-moving image in a book. For someone who didn’t have that medical background and knowledge, it was daunting and a struggle, but I didn’t give up and with practice, I began to enjoy it so much and I still do.
Tarin: Why would/wouldn't you recommend it?
Harpreet: I would recommend a career in echocardiography if you like challenges- every heart is different! I am constantly learning something new all the time and being part of a dynamic and teaching department motivates me to be better and carry out my job with pride. I would not recommend my career to those who want a mundane and repetitive routine - every day in my job is different and constantly changing.
Next up, we have Claire Compton, Highly Specialised Cardiac Physiologist at St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Tarin: What is the best, most rewarding thing about your career and what is your least favourite aspect of it - why?
Claire: The most rewarding thing about a career in cardiac physiology is that I’ve managed to find a job doing something that I have a genuine interest in. As you spend most of your waking hours at work, I’ve always felt strongly that people should find careers in sectors that genuinely interest them. I have always had a passion for human anatomy and physiology, and what I love is that no heart is the same; ensuring that I’m never bored.
Advances in technology mean my skill set is always improving, and there’s continually new avenues to develop research ideas. Also, whether it’s through research activity, or being involved in a patient’s diagnosis, it is thoroughly rewarding to be actively involved in clinical decisions that can positively affect patients’ lives.
Furthermore, this career allows you to shape the role to your strengths and passion. There are constantly evolving opportunities to focus more on academia, teaching, clinical, or managerial aspects.
My least favourite aspect is seeing people suffering and witnessing first-hand how cuts to the NHS negatively affects patients’ lives.
Tarin: Do you think the challenges - if any - outweigh the positives, at all?
Claire: Although the challenges can be immensely difficult, they are outweighed by understanding and appreciating the benefit you are ultimately providing to society. The camaraderie within the NHS is unlike any other workplace atmosphere.
Tarin: What does a typical day at work look like for you? How enjoyable is it?
Claire: Every day is different, which is what I enjoy. In the morning we could be allocated an adult or paediatric out-patient list, which is where we perform echocardiograms (ultrasound of the heart) on children or adults with known or suspected cardiac problems, and then produce a written assessment for their doctor. In the afternoon we may have to visit any of the hospital wards, including intensive care, to assess those individuals who are very sick. Alternatively, we could be working in a specialist clinic, such as a Valve clinic or stress echocardiography (the patient has to exercise until exhaustion and then we evaluate the heart when it’s ‘stressed’), or assisting in TOE clinics (the probe is passed down the patient’s oesophagus so we can get a better look at their heart). We also provide teaching for junior staff members, doctors, and medical students.
Alternatively, we could be working on a research project (collecting and analysing data) or producing departmental guidelines. We also must decide how we are going to deploy staff with differing skill sets and experience across three different hospital sites for the upcoming week.
Our third interviewee was Sam Hill, Clinical Scientist in Cardiology and Echo Lead, North Bristol NHS Trust.
Tarin: What sort of subjects did you study at AS/A Level/University? Do you regret any of these choices? If you could go back would you change anything?
Sam: I actually studied A level English Literature and Psychology when I left school. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do but thought I might like to be a clinical psychologist. Or something in law! So, as you can tell, really not a clue! However, alongside that, I did a Health and Social Care course too. (It’s all about keeping your options open!) I’d always struggled with Maths and so I did Maths re-takes too, to improve my grades.
If I could go back, I would have opted to do triple award science at school, which I’m sure would have made my cardiac physiology training easier. But, hindsight is a wonderful thing, right?
Tarin: How long did these qualifications/courses (at university) take? What processes did you have to go through to get a job in this field?
Sam: When I started my training, it was a lot less straightforward than it is today. I studied for 2 years (block release) at Exeter College while working as a student physiologist, then 3 years in London, again, block release, until I graduated as a cardiac physiologist in 2001. I got a job in the department I trained in and started my echocardiography training shortly after and became accredited in 2005. Thankfully, today’s training pathway is so much easier to navigate and it doesn’t take so long!
The great thing about my training, was that I was employed by a hospital trust throughout. This meant that my studies were all funded, I didn’t end up with a huge student loan to pay back, and although it wasn’t much, I got paid a salary every month. Working in the department, as part of a team, from day one, allowed me to establish, very quickly if the role would meet my expectations and also, If I was suited to the role. Straight away, I was working with patients; old and young, sick and vulnerable, from all walks of life, which at 17, that was quite an eye-opener! I learned so much during that time though, and those experiences have shaped me into the clinician I am today.
Once I got into echocardiography, it became obvious that that was going to be my specialty. I loved the fact that I could see a person's heart on the screen while I talked to them! I still love that! I love the range of people I meet, the contribution I can make to their care and the science behind what we do.
Tarin: Is there anything you feel you could have done better?
Sam: Undoubtedly! I’m not a natural when it comes to exams and so I feel like I’ve always had to work harder to reach my goals, but actually, that’s not always such a bad thing and I really believe that success means more when you’ve struggled to achieve it. I always tell my own children, you CAN achieve anything, as long as you’re prepared to work hard and be determined.
Tarin: Have you had any previous jobs/work experience related to this career - if so, what would you recommend?
Sam: My work experience was in a solicitors office so no, not really helpful at all! 😂 However, I did some work placements in various hospital departments and wards during my health & social care course so got a good feel for what I did and didn’t like. The first time I saw an echo being done, I was so inspired and knew that was what I wanted to do. I’d definitely encourage you to spend some time in different healthcare science settings and get a feel for what sparks your interest.
Once you’ve identified that, follow it! Be tenacious, knock on doors, maybe offer to volunteer and get all the experience you can!
Lastly, we talked to Kam Rai, Echocardiography Lead at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust.
Tarin: Did you find your job difficult at first, in any way - did it become easier over time?
Kam: A job like this has its challenges from the start to finish but that’s what keeps it interesting. No day is the same as the other and there are constant opportunities to improve and challenge yourself as well as those around you. This job is certainly not easy but then that makes the rewards and achievements that much greater. I have been an echocardiographer for 20 years now and still face challenges but my job would be somewhat boring if I didn’t have these challenges and/or difficulties to face. It builds resilience, strength and character.
Tarin: How does working in this field affect your day to day life (for the better or the worse)?
Kam: I have always felt that I am doing something very important by helping people every day however when the COVID-19 pandemic hit us, I felt immensely proud to work for the NHS and be a part of the battle. I felt very important! Every morning I would march to my car, ready to face the day knowing that I was helping save lives. It’s tough at times however I will keep on marching because the feeling of helping others with their healthcare is like no other. On a day-to-day basis, some days I will feel sad or stressed if I was looking after someone who was quite poorly, other days I will feel elated knowing that I have made a difference. Even on the bad/sad days, it makes me more determined to help my patients. As someone who works for the NHS, you are treated with respect and admiration by friends and family, especially now with much of the focus being on the NHS. I love being a part of the NHS family.
Ruby: What advice would you give to someone who is interested about working in the field of science?
Kam: Know that it won’t be an easy ride but it’s a ride that is full of joy, rewards, achievements but also some sorrow and a huge dose of humanity along the way. Be prepared to be challenged in lots of ways but also take relish in the fact that your contribution to healthcare science can change someone’s life or even save it. It certainly isn’t a ride for everyone but one that is well worth taking. My question to you is; are you ready?
Many thanks to Tarin and Ruby for their great questions!