22nd March 2010
The unique
work of leading healthcare scientists from University Hospitals
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust has been recognised in a new
Department of Health book.
Extraordinary You - Science in Healthcare profiles the work
and careers of healthcare scientists throughout the country to
encourage others to consider a scientific career in the NHS.
The book includes the profiles of three of the Trusts leading
healthcare scientists:
Dr Diane Crawford, Director of Medical Physics and
Bioengineering, began her research career by focusing on ultrasound
image analysis. She then became a joint pioneer in the use of
ultrasound for the diagnosis of fetal heart malformations from only
16-18 weeks. Due to the techniques significance, Diane spent
much of her time training others around the UK in the now
world-renowned technique.
Speaking about the book, Diane says: I am amazed at the wide
variety of activities where scientists have improved patients
lives, initially through the innovation of new techniques and later
by providing a specialist service for patients.
Teresa Robinson, Consultant Clinical Scientist and Head of the
Vascular Studies Unit, has a background in electronic engineering
and medical physics. Through the use of ultrasound technology
Teresa has made improving the diagnosis of vascular diseases such
as stroke and deep vein thrombosis, her lifes work. Teresas
skill to interpret the perfect snowstorm that is an ultrasound
picture stems from a sound knowledge of the underlying physics.
Teresa says: This book illustrates that if you enjoy science and
are interested in medicine, there are many challenging and
rewarding scientific careers in the NHS which have a critical
impact on patient care.
Tabinda Rashid-Fadel, Senior Chief Cardiac Technician, developed
an interest and passion for cardiac disease physiology after her
father died from a heart attack at a young age. Tabindas work
varies from treating emergency admissions in the Bristol Heart
Institute through to the long-term care of patients with pacemakers
and other devices. In view of the high incidence of heart
disease in a number of ethnic groups, Tabinda now devotes much of
her free time to increasing health awareness in specific
communities.
As one of the largest teaching trusts in the South West,
University Hospitals Bristol is committed to providing the highest
quality research, the best medical teaching and excellent patient
care.
