To support Healthcare Science Week 2024 we will be showcasing several cardiac scientists inspirational career journeys.

Kate Sanders – Consultant Clinical Scientist

“I’ve been incredibly lucky to been able to continually develop professionally since the day I joined the healthcare science workforce; it’s a career path with many opportunities! I had a background in holistic medicine and have always been passionate about caring for the whole patient; I’ve found cardiac science a perfect opportunity for working in science and in a patient-facing role.

After gaining my BSc and BHRS accreditation, I undertook a teaching qualification and enjoyed guest lecturing on our local PTP course. I completed a Masters module in clinical assessment for Healthcare Scientists, which really paved the way to developing an advanced clinical practice role.

I registered with HCPC as a clinical scientist after completing STP equivalence; I’ve always strongly believed advanced practice should be subject to statutory regulation and took that opportunity as soon as I could. I was then accepted onto the HSST programme, which I completed last year. Through the programme I learned more about effective leadership, quality improvement, innovation, and clinical cardiology; putting this into practice has helped to improve our service and I’m very proud that we recently achieved IQIPS accreditation.

My doctoral research was into the role of patient support groups for people with ICDs, an incredibly rewarding project which took me back to my passion of caring for people, not just their device.

I joined the SCST standards committee and was later co-opted onto the council. In this role I’ve contributed to updating ETT and ECG guidelines, provided support for people working towards STP equivalence, and organised the abstract submissions for our national meeting.

I was delighted to be appointed to a Consultant Clinical Scientist post last year and I’m looking forward to continuing to improve and develop our services for the benefit of our patients”.