Working as a Physiological Scientist in the UK

Professionals in healthcare now use highly specialised equipment to monitor treatment and diagnose disease. Physiological scientists have an increasingly important role in this process.

Your role would be to measure, evaluate and record the capacity of various parts of the body to function normally. Medical staff then use these results to assess patients health and to help to manage disease and disability. You may also test and adjust equipment and teach patients how to use it. Rehabilitation and counselling are an important part of the work.

As a member of a clinical team, you would work closely with scientists, doctors and nurses to ensure that patients receive the most appropriate care.

Physiological scientists work in many different departments of the hospital, as well as in community clinics.

As a physiological scientist, you could specialise in one of a range of areas, such as:

Audiology
Audiologists develop ways to measure and compensate for hearing loss. They have a diagnostic role, carrying out tests such as audiometry, middle ear analysis, otoneurological and vestibular assessment, and they also plan rehabilitation programmes for patients with communication difficulties. Experienced audiologists carry out non-routine work and accept referrals directly from GP's.
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Cardiology
Cardiology physiologists help with the diagnosis and treatment of patients with known or suspected heart disease. Their role includes recording heart activity during rest and exercise, measuring cardiac electrical activity, analysing blood gases, recording blood pressure and carrying out ultrasonic scanning. They also monitor heart function during surgery and intensive care, and monitor pacemakers.
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Gastroenterology
Clinical GI Physiologists specialise in the study of gastrointestinal function and disease, which includes any part of the digestive tract from the oesophagus to the anus and also of the liver, biliary tract and the pancreas.
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Neurophysiology
Neurophysiologists specialise in recording the electrical activity of the nervous system, such as the brain, spinal cord, or the peripheral nerves in the limbs. They may concentrate on the visual or auditory systems. They work closely with colleagues in neurology, ophthalmology or neurosurgery, to assist in the diagnosis of muscle and nerve disorders, and conditions such as epilepsy, stroke, dementia, visual loss and multiple sclerosis.
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Respiratory physiology
Clinical Respiratory Physiologist's are highly skilled practitioners who perform a wide range of diagnostic tests to assess all aspects of your lung function.
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