Lauren Byrne discusses her journey at Aston University
MSc Clinical Neurophysiology Practice graduate Lauren Byrne discusses the aspects of the course that supported her clinical skills and knowledge and how she became a more well-rounded scientist
Why Aston University and Clinical Neurophysiology Practice?
I chose to study at Aston as it was the only University offering an MSc which was not solely focused on one aspect of healthcare. Most courses that I came across focused on either research, quality improvement or healthcare leadership. Very few combined all three and no other courses also included modules in Neurophysiology.
The MSc in Clinical Neurophysiology Practice appeared to have an equal balance of each aspect of healthcare that I was interested in pursuing. Coming into this course as someone who was already qualified to work as a Clinical Physiologist I was interested in furthering my knowledge in Neurophysiology while also expanding my expertise to include the other aspects of healthcare mentioned above and become a more well-rounded scientist.
What did you enjoy most about the course?
Through each module useful tools were provided which were relevant to clinical practice and to furthering my career. There was plenty of opportunity to apply the learning outcomes of each module to real-life and relevant workplace situations.
The nature of the assignments meant that I was usually able to carry out work that could later be applied in my department, for example in the quality improvement module practical tools were provided on how to achieve improvement while also following relevant policy and procedure.
What would you say to any student thinking of studying your course at Aston University?
I would say that this course is challenging but rewarding and that you will come out the other side of it with an abundance of knowledge and tools to help you build a rewarding career. It may even open new doors of opportunity that you wouldn't have thought possible!
Career advice for students
My advice would be not to be afraid of trying something new. Seek opportunities and don't be afraid to move around. Our biggest growth often happens through change.
What is your current role and what do you do? What do you enjoy most about your role?
My current role is senior Physiologist in a busy Dublin hospital where I perform many duties in neurophysiology including EEG, nerve conduction studies, both non-invasive and invasive long-term video EEG monitoring, and intra-operative monitoring.
I enjoy the variety of duties this role entails and in particular, I enjoy being part of a team that practices evidence-based care in seeing patients in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit from the first phase of diagnosis and seizure classification to possible second phase of invasive monitoring and surgery for those with refractory focal epilepsy.