Much to my family’s bemusement, I took a rather convoluted path into medicine.  First, I completed a Biomedical Sciences degree followed by a PhD. Then, when I was 26, I started medical school.  Before I was eligible to apply for Genetics training, I was a junior doctor in Paediatrics

What inspired you to pursue a role in the field of genomics?

To be honest, a career as a Clinical Geneticist wasn’t really on my radar until after medical school. As a junior doctor I came to realise Clinical Genetics combines my desire to see patients with rare conditions, in a speciality which is advancing quickly, and has close links with clinical research.

What happens during a typical working day?

My clinical role is to examine, diagnose, and counsel patients and families who may have a genetic condition. This might mean seeing a patient in clinic or discussing them at a multidisciplinary meeting. I think one of the most interesting aspects of medicine is the development of rapid genomic testing. I have been fortunate to work with colleagues across AWMGS, GPW and other partnerships to help establish the Wales Infants’ and ChildreN’s Genome Service (WINGS).

What advice would you give to those interested in joining this field?

You need to have a medical degree and completed at least 4 years training as a junior doctor before starting the Clinical Genetics training programme. Like me, you can start medicine as a postgraduate student. So, it’s (almost) never too late!