Welsh Bowler Qualifies as a Respiratory Physiologist
Swansea University student, Hannah Thomas 23 of Whitland, graduated with First Class Honours in BSc Clinical Physiology Respiratory Physiology today at a graduation ceremony held in Brangwyn Hall (Tuesday, 1st February 2011).
Not only has Hannah excelled in her studies, she also represents Wales in Bowling and has continued to compete throughout the course. She has also been named as part of the Welsh Junior International Team announced for 2011.
Hannah (pictured) said: “I have played bowls for the Welsh under 25s Team for the last seven years and was unsure how I would fit practice time in around my studies. The University has been very supportive of me and allowed time off to play in the international series each year.”
Hannah attended Ysgol Dyffryn Taf in Whitland and chose to study BSc Clinical Physiology Respiratory Physiology. Respiratory Physiologists work with patients suspected of having or known to have disease of the lungs. They are also involved in exercise testing, sleep studies and delivery of ventilation to patients on the wards and at home.
Speaking about her course, Hannah said: “The course involved a mixture of placement and university time, with the third year being entirely on placement. I felt that this was an important part of the degree as I was able to put into practice what I had been taught in university.
“The clinical placements were spent in five different hospitals across South Wales. This gave me valuable experience in patient contact and gave me an insight into the variety of equipment that can be used for the different tests that are performed.
“My lecturers were always on hand for guidance, as well as my mentors on placement who helped me gain confidence and experience in performing a variety of tests which stood me in good stead for progressing on to a job after graduating.”
Hannah, who now works as a qualified Respiratory Physiologist in Basildon Hospital in Essex, hopes to return to Wales to work in the future.
She added: “I will miss my time at University as I enjoyed the experience, however I feel proud to have completed my degree and feel relieved not to have to face any more assessments or exams!”
