Join us in this interview with Aisling McGowan, Chief 2 Physiologist at Connolly Hospital, Dublin, whose 34-year career in respiratory and sleep diagnostics has combined clinical expertise, education, and leadership. We explore the role of a respiratory physiologist, the varied training paths into the profession, career progression, opportunities in education and leadership, and the challenges and rewards of a career in respiratory physiology in Ireland.
01:10 Describing the role of the respiratory physiologist
03:13 The training pathway for respiratory physiology
06:32 Specialising in respiratory physiology
08:10 Postgraduate entry to respiratory physiology
08:50 Career progression; staff grade to senior to chief one and chief two
12:10 Advanced practice in respiratory physiology
13:53 Changes to the role if advanced practice came into effect
14:45 Opportunities abroad for Irish trainees
15:50 The pathway for internationally trained respiratory physiologists
16:20 Popularity of respiratory physiology degree courses
17:09 Challenges in recruitment and retention
17:50 Additional postgraduate training opportunities: Master of Science
20:10 Staff shortages and workloads
21:45 The impact of integrated community care hubs on tertiary care staffing
22:26 Vision for lung function diagnostics in the integrated care hub
27:18 What keeps you engaged?
