MANY of the senior staff in the genetics department came to the hospital following university and have developed their careers within the department, gaining further qualifications in post.

Dr Waterman said: “The department is very focused on continuing professional development, providing opportunities and support to increase knowledge and build careers here at Salisbury.”

There is a national training scheme for clinical scientists and the laboratory hosts training posts for both scientist training and higher specialist training posts which develop individuals to consultant clinical scientist level.

A science degree is required in any biological science or biomedical science.

However, delivering a genetic diagnostic service is very much a team effort and within the department there are more technical-based roles, healthcare science practitioners, associates and assistants with different entry points for people who have A-levels or a degree.

Candidates interested in a career within the field need to have good attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and IT skills.

Dr Waterman came to the hospital after studying botany at Bristol University.

“I chose human genetics as one of my options and was hooked,” she said. “I was attracted to Salisbury District Hospital because the director here at the time, Professor Pat Jacobs, had an internationally recognised research programme. I came straight from university, and within a year she had me working on a paper with her.

“I was encouraged to sit professional examinations for FRCPath and apply for a research grant that enabled me to undertake a PhD in post.

“I’ve loved every minute here.”

For more details on scientific careers within the NHS visit nshcs.org.uk