Sept 2022: Careers Beyond Academia - Dr Rachel Richardson

Dr Rachel Richardson is a Clinical Scientist, specialising in Cardiac Rhythm Management, at York Hospital.

In 2014, Rachel completed her PhD at The University of Edinburgh Centre for Cardiovascular Science. She explored career opportunities in science communication, policy and research through volunteering, an MRC sponsored internship at the Academy of Medical Sciences and a Society for Endocrinology Early Career Grant, opted for the latter, and accepted a three-year Postdoctoral Research Associate position at Newcastle University which was funded by the British Heart Foundation.

In 2017, Rachel successfully applied for the NHS Scientist Training Programme. This gave her the opportunity to apply her knowledge of cardiac physiology in a clinical setting. Rachel undertook a part-time MSc in Clinical Science alongside a three-year work-based training programme overseen by the National School of Healthcare Science. She work in a varied, patient facing, role performing and reporting on diagnostic cardiac investigations and therapeutic interventions. This includes supporting implantation of cardiac devices in the cardiac cath lab and providing up to date, evidence based follow up care in device clinics. Rachel has recently undertaken an additional role as Training Officer for the CardioRespiratory Department at York Hospital.