Trish's training story

Trish Matharu is a Clinical Scientist working at University Hospitals of Coventry and Warwickshire.

What was your route through training?

I graduated from Swansea University in 2011 with a Clinical Physiology degree. I then began my post as a Respiratory Physiologist at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) as a Band 5 in July 2011. My job role at this time involved full lung function, challenge testing, six-minute walk tests, skin prick testing, long-term oxygen therapy assessments, administering and downloading polygraphy and analysis of polygraphy studies.

Some two years after beginning my role at UHCW, I was offered the opportunity to complete the Scientific Training Programme (STP), funded by NHS England. I completed this from 2013 to 2016, attaining an MSc qualification and the title of Clinical Scientist.

When I completed the STP, I developed a taste for the role we play within Sleep Medicine. In 2019, I became the lead for the Complex Sleep Service. Since then, I have successfully enrolled on the Higher Specialist Scientist Training (HSST) programme (currently completing year two of the programme) and achieved the role of Deputy Head of Service for the department.

Can you share some examples or experiences of what helped you navigate training?

I was fortunate to have a Head of Service that strongly believed in providing platforms of further training. I was always open and honest about my desire to develop my skillset further at different stages of my career, and I believe these conversations have helped my progression to date.

What tips do you have for job planning and career development?

You will find your department will not always be aware of or indeed have opportunities for funded courses. However, that doesn’t mean they won’t support them. Keep an eye out and research yourself what is available for your own career progression. Present what you find to your line manager and demonstrate how completion of these courses/programmes will aid development of your department.

What advice would you give to women starting out in respiratory? 

Respiratory and Sleep Sciences covers a wide range of specialist tests offering numerous opportunities to find your niche. Enjoy the route you take; it won’t always follow the traditional pathway, but that’s OK.  

What are the barriers, and what helps? 

Joining committees within the field of Respiratory and Sleep Sciences helps. It allows you to network with peers but also observe all the opportunities that are available through other Trusts. It is an excellent platform to share positive stories but also to seek advice from colleagues when you just do not know what steps to take next. The world of Respiratory and Sleep Sciences is small, and attendance at conferences and committee presence really helps promote your own achievements, whilst also celebrating others.  

Resources and funding will always be a barrier, but the stronger our presence as physiologists/clinical scientists becomes, hopefully the bigger the investment in us will be. For now, use resources that are available for development. You will be surprised by how much is available.