• Question: What inspired you to pursue your career, and who would you say is an inspiration to you in your work?

    Asked by OskabahLK on 5 Feb 2025. This question was also asked by used522feed.
    • Photo: Ruth McLauchlan

      Ruth McLauchlan answered on 5 Feb 2025:

      My Physics teacher told me that hospitals employ scientists and arranged for me to visit a department when I was in sixth form. I liked the idea of using my physics and maths skills to help people so chose a degree that allowed me to study some medical physics with a project in a hospital – I couldn’t believe that they trusted me to work alone, testing a very expensive ultrasound scanner! I am inspired to go to work each day by our patients. We are there for them at a very difficult time in their lives and can make them better. I always think, if it was my relative what would I want for them, and I would want to know that there was a professional there working to ensure that they receive the best, safe and appropriate treatment.

Comments

  • Photo: Edward

    Edward commented on :

    I had a good teacher in year 5 and 6 of primary school who gave me extra maths problem to do because I could do the standard work quickly and that helped develop a strong early interest.
    At my secondary school, we had a lot of good teachers who were very supportive.

    It was probably my PhD supervisor who was really helpful. He introduced me to industry problems and how many of them can be addressed by maths and computer science. He gave me enough opportunities to showcase my skills and learn and develop. A good mentor is so helpful, though not everyone is lucky enough to find someone who works for them.