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Welcome to Clinical Research Career Conversations, a podcast series that explores the diverse roles and professions involved in clinical research and highlights the incredible impact they have on healthcare. Brought to you by Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility, each episode features inspiring conversations with individuals who share their unique journeys and experiences in clinical research.
Clinical Research Career Conversations aims to inspire the current and future clinical research workforce by showcasing different roles within the field, offering real-world examples, and providing practical advice on how to embark on a rewarding career in research. Tune in for inspiration, insights, and guidance on how you can contribute in making a meaningful impact in healthcare through research.
Find out more about the Education Programme at Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility: Education | Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility
20 Episodes
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Send us a text In this episode of Clinical Research Career Conversations, Jo Merrifield speaks with Jessica Crossan, a Senior Clinical Studies Officer within the Neuroprogressive and Dementia Network in NHS Lothian. She shares insights into her role coordinating and delivering research studies, the collaborative work of the network across Scotland, and her journey to becoming a research nurse and now a Principal Investigator (PI) through the NIHR PI Pipeline Program (PIPP). She also dis...
Send us a text In this episode of Clinical Research Career Conversations, host Jo Merrifield talks with Izy Utley, a speech and language therapist, research fellow, and clinical doctorate student at the University of Stirling. Izy shares her non-linear journey into research, built through small opportunities that led to a clinical doctorate. She discusses making research more accessible for people with communication differences, the differences between a PhD and a clinical doctorate, and how ...
Send us a text In this episode of Clinical Research Career Conversations, host Jo Merrifield speaks with Sean White, a specialist dietitian and postdoctoral clinical academic, to explore how a passion for patient care can evolve into a thriving research career. Sean shares how his clinical work with people receiving enteral feeding sparked his curiosity about shared decision-making, eventually leading him through the NIHR Clinical Academic Pathway—from a Master’s in Research Methods to ...
Send us a text In this episode of Clinical Research Career Conversations, host Jo Merrifield speaks with Lauren Muir, Research Governance Manager at the Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility. Lauren shares her journey from a lab-based biomedical scientist to overseeing governance across hundreds of studies. She explains how her role ensures research is safe, ethical, and compliant, and discusses the key skills needed to succeed. Whether you’re starting out or considering a career shift, this e...
Send us a text In this episode of Clinical Research Career Conversations, Jo Merrifield is joined by Dr Daisy Sandeman, Clinical Nurse Manager for Advanced Practice at NHS Lothian. Daisy shares her inspiring journey from working in intensive care nursing to leading influential research on delirium following cardiac surgery. She explores how curiosity, collaboration, and everyday clinical observations can spark meaningful change in patient care and offers thoughtful advice for anyone consideri...
Send us a text In this episode of Clinical Research Career Conversations, Jo Merrifield speaks with Dr Tom MacGillivray, Deputy Director of the Image Analysis Core at the Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility. They discuss the important role of image analysis in clinical research, real-world examples of its applications, and Tom’s own career journey - including his advice for those considering a similar path.
Send us a text In this episode of Clinical Research Career Conversations, Jo Merrifield speaks with Dr Lucy Whitaker, Senior Clinical Research Fellow and Consultant Gynaecologist at the University of Edinburgh. Lucy shares her career journey, her research into endometriosis and pelvic pain, and the realities of balancing NHS work with academic research. She highlights the rewards, challenges, and her top tips for anyone considering a career in clinical research.
Send us a text In this episode of Clinical Research Career Conversations, Senior Trial Monitor Liz Craig shares insights into the role of monitors within academic clinical research. She explains how monitoring helps protect patient safety and ensure data quality, outlines the varied responsibilities involved, and reflects on both the challenges and rewards of the job. We also explore her own career path, the key skills needed to succeed, and her advice for those interested in pursuing a caree...
Send us a text In this episode of Clinical Research Career Conversations, Jo Merrifield speaks with Dr Jenna Breckenridge, an Occupational Therapist by background and currently Senior Lecturer in Health Sciences at the University of Dundee and the Lead for Allied Health Professions (AHP) research in NHS Tayside. Jenna reflects on her career journey, highlights why AHP involvement in research is essential, and shares practical advice for those interested in getting involved in research.&...
Send us a text In this episode of Clinical Research Career Conversations, Alice Thomson speaks with Dr Sarah Gregory who shares her journey through dementia research, ethics committee work, and academic teaching. From managing large cohort studies to navigating fixed-term contracts and volunteering for research ethics, Sarah offers insightful perspectives on building a fulfilling career in clinical research—and the value of saying yes to what sparks your interest.
Send us a text In this episode of Clinical Research Career Conversations, Jo Merrifield speaks with Dasha Dyachuk, a Clinical Support Worker (CSW) at the Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility. Dasha shares her inspiring journey from nursing in Canada to working in clinical research in Scotland. She opens up about the learning curve of transitioning into clinical research, the rewarding variety in her daily work, and how the supportive team environment has helped her thrive. Dasha also reflects...
Send us a text In this episode of Clinical Research Career Conversations, Jo Merrifield sits down with Lorn MacKenzie, Quality Assurance (QA) Manager at ACCORD, to explore the critical role of QA in clinical research. Lorn shares insights into her journey to becoming a QA professional, the importance of ensuring compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and regulatory standards, and how QA plays a key role in safeguarding participant safety and ensuring the integrity of research outcomes. ...
Send us a text In this episode of Clinical Research Career Conversations, host Jo Merrifield sits down with Dr. Chris Humphries, an Emergency Medicine doctor and Clinical Research Fellow at the University of Edinburgh. Chris shares his journey into research, explaining how his work on the groundbreaking MAIL trial aims to improve treatment for paracetamol poisoning. Chris offers candid insights into the challenges of balancing clinical training with research, as well as practical advice for t...
Send us a text In this episode of Clinical Research Career Conversations, Jo Merrifield speaks with Dr Corrienne McCulloch, Deputy Director of Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility. Corrienne shares her inspiring career journey, from being a critical care research nurse to leading research operations. She discusses the challenges and rewards of managing diverse research teams, balancing clinical and academic roles, and offers valuable tips for anyone considering a career in research. Tun...
Send us a text In this episode of Clinical Research Career Conversations, Jo Merrifield chats with Julia Boyd, Senior Trial Manager at the Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit, about the role of a trial manager. Julia discusses her career journey, the key responsibilities involved in managing clinical trials, and the skills needed to succeed in this field. If you’re curious about what a career in clinical trial management involves or how to get started, this episode offers helpful insights and advi...
Send us a text In this episode of Clinical Research Career Conversations, Jo Merrifield speaks with Anne Saunderson, a senior clinical research nurse in the Clinical Infections Research Group at Edinburgh. Anne shares her extensive journey in clinical research, highlighting her experiences in various specialties like cardiac surgery, obstetrics, and infectious diseases. She discusses the hands-on role of research nurses in coordinating trials, from recruitment to data management, and ho...
Send us a text In this episode of Clinical Research Conversations, host Jo Merrifield speaks with Jim Macpherson, a former actor turned data manager in cancer clinical trials at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh. Known to many as DCI Michael Jardine from Taggart, Jim shares his fascinating career transition from the world of television to clinical research.
Send us a text Continuing the theme from episode one, this episode of Clinical Research Career Conversations follows a discussion between Jo Merrifield and Professor Juliet MacArthur about the importance of nurse researchers, midwives, and allied health professionals leading research in healthcare. Juliet emphasises that the NHS and society depend on continuous research to improve care, understand diseases, and develop new treatments. Using real-world examples, Juliet explores how healt...
Send us a text In this episode of Clinical Research Careers Conversations, host Jo Merrifield introduces a fascinating conversation between research nurse Alice Thomson and Gearóid Brennan, a liaison psychiatric nurse and NRS fellow in NHS Lothian. Gearóid shares his unique career journey—from his unexpected start in nursing to his deep dive into clinical research. He discusses his passion for research and the challenges of balancing academia with clinical practice. Tune in for insights...
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