Kaela Mei Townson

Current Employer/Organisation Name

North Bristol NHS Trust 

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

After completing my BSc Exercise and Sport Science and MSc Sport and Health Science at Exeter, I have worked in both the private and public health sectors.

I left University and worked as a Health Advisor for Bupa, performing a variety of health checks and having lifestyle conversations with customers. I then worked as an Assistant Respiratory Physiologist within the NHS, performing various lung function tests on patients to gain a better understanding of their lung health and disease conditions.

Currently, I am a Trainee Clinical Scientist on the NHS Scientist Training Programme working out of the North Bristol NHS Trust Lung Centre.

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

The thing I enjoy most about my work is that it is a dynamic mix of science/research and patient care. Engaging with patients and being able to positively impact their experience with healthcare is something I enjoy being a part of.

The Scientist Training Programme (STP) is a 3-year work programme, supported by a university-accredited MSc in Clinical Science. This is an amazing opportunity that is allowing me to gain specialised experience in Respiratory and Sleep Science.

I have always been inquisitive and enjoyed learning new things, and working in healthcare means continuously adapting and improving my practice as new research emerges.

Following the completion of the STP, I will be a registered Healthcare Scientist specialising in Respiratory and Sleep Science!

Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?

I was part of the BUCS 2 Women’s Football Team, Amateur Boxing Club, and volunteered with Nightline as a listener and a social media post designer.

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

I enjoyed my dissertation; I got to research topics that I was interested in, which made the experience really fun for me!

What did you most enjoy about studying here?

I enjoyed the balance I had between study and social life. Exeter was excellent for both!

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

I chose to study at Exeter as they had a great reputation for Sport and Science! I did a campus tour and had a gut feeling that this was the place for me, and I couldn’t have been more right. I loved all 4 years that I had at Exeter and recommend it frequently to friends and prospective students who reach out!

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

My degree has provided me with a great foundation of knowledge and research skills. This knowledge has helped me understand the pathophysiology of diseases and contributed.

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

Continuously learn. You will always help yourself by learning, whether it be academically learning more or learning more about yourself! University equips you with lots of transferrable skills such as research and people skills, learn how to make these work for you and the job you want.

What are your plans for the future?

I plan on registering as a Health Care Scientist and finishing my MSc Clinical Science, and one day I hope to become the Lead of my own physiology department!