Cardiovascular Laboratory Research Assistant Review

Undertaking work experience in a cardiovascular research lab entailed working in different lab departments. We were tasked with developing a action plan for a man suffering with Raynaud's disease, so this involved research, experimental data collection (Finopres etc.). We also collated data in a professional manner so as to present to other healthcare professionals.

I honed my report writing skills; this was a great way of understanding how best to write in a scientific manner. Also, I was exposed to different medical technological equipment and how to use these. I also developed my confidence skills as I had to find out different information which meant that I dealt with people from different fields.

I really enjoyed the programme as I felt it was a large stepping stone for me as I wanted to pursue a career in medicine. It really bridged the gap between university and school and allowed me to realise the kinds of things that I may end up doing in the future or if not, then appreciate what others in healthcare must do.

The lead for the programme was very supportive - if we had any issues, be they educational or if you were running late for example, then he would be really understanding try his best to help. We were never left without anything to do and without being guided as much as needed to be.

The programme was very well structured; the project we were undertaking involved collecting information from different areas. The days on which we found the information fit in well as we progressed with our project. For example, we interviewed our patient prior to conducting experiments as this enabled us to understand his concerns and then our experimental data would help to confirm or disregard these.

Aforementioned, I received a lot of support from the programme lead. Where we were unable to progress in a certain area of our research, he would guide us by questioning which enabled us to think ourselves, but also gave us a little push as to where we would be heading next. If we were having any issues with other logistical matters, he would always be at hand if we needed him.

In this case the employer would be the university. The university provided a lot of support in that they gave us access to their high-tech labs undergoing cutting edge revolutionary research. This was really helpful as we got to meet many healthcare professionals and gain different perspectives.

This was an unpaid work experience placement, so was unpaid. The programme was completely free, all I needed to pay for was travelling and food costs, which was relatively cheap. The bus company runs a £1 fare for students travelling to the university, which was really handy.

As this was a research project, the only opportunity outside of work would be to research at home through medical journals. However, the university has unlimited access to these journals unlike at home, so it is better to do this at university. As most of the data that would be collected is practical based, the lab setting would be needed to conduct these experiments.

Yes

As previously mentioned, I wanted to pursue a career in medicine. However, this really opened my eyes into the different disciplines that healthcare and scientific research has to offer. Not only was I able to learn about different cardiovascular concepts and diseases, but I also learnt of the types of jobs people had to do and the lifestyle that their jobs enabled them to follow. If I knew anyone who was unsure of what career path they would want to pursue in this broad field, I would recommend this to them due to the amount of exposure we had to different people.

I would say when applying for this, have a really open mind about what you really want from the programme. Sometimes you become so focused on one career path that you end up not being able to appreciate the merits of others. Do some background knowledge and brush up on your Biology, as it will really help to understand some difficult concepts that you will be introduced to. Most of the content will be hard, but realise that this is degree level stuff that even professors talk about with each other. All in all, have fun, you really will enjoy it and meet some great people along the way.