Finding a Voice in Research: A Speech and Language Therapist’s Journey
Send us a textIn 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 research can enrich clinical practice. Izy’s story highlights the varied routes into research and the value of building experience piece by piece.
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Feeding a Passion for Research: A Dietician's Clinical Academic Career Journey
Send us a textIn 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 a Doctoral Fellowship and PhD. He discusses how collaboration within multidisciplinary teams has shaped his work, how his research has influenced his clinical practice, and what it means to translate evidence into better patient outcomes.For anyone considering a clinical academic career, Sean offers candid advice on persistence, networking, mentorship, and creating space for research within clinical roles. His story is an inspiring example of how curiosity, collaboration, and resilience can drive professional growth and impact across healthcare.
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Life Beyond the Lab: Building a Career in Research Governance
Send us a textIn 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 episode offers insight into the vital, behind-the-scenes work that keeps clinical research running smoothly.
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Transforming Care Through Curiosity
Send us a textIn 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 considering a career in research. Daisy also reflects on how small clinical questions can grow into impactful studies that shape policy, education, and clinical pathways, while helping to build research capacity across nursing and allied health professions.
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Focusing on a Career in Image Analysis
Send us a textIn 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.
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
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