Meet our trainee healthcare scientists

Meet Lauren and Fleur, two trainee healthcare scientists. They both work at Sheffield Children’s, and across at the University of Sheffield in the Julia Garnham Centre.

They are both trainee healthcare scientists – and this week we’re shining a spotlight on these vital roles, which bring together science, engineering and technology to help prevent, diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions.

Through innovation, equity and ambition, for 150 years Sheffield Children’s has been guided by its purpose to create healthier futures for every child. We have pioneered care rooted in the community, delivering joined-up support that meets each child and their family where they are.

That pioneering spirit continues today through partnerships like the Julia Garnham Centre – a unique facility that is training the next generation of leaders in the field of genetics – created by Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Sheffield. Established in 2021, the centre offers remote NHS work placements to undergraduate and postgraduate students in the School of Biosciences, helping to support the NHS in tackling cancer and rare disease backlogs while training the next generation of bioscientists.

The centre is named after Julia Garnham, who worked as a geneticist at Sheffield Children’s for more than 30 years. Her legacy reflects the Trust’s long-standing commitment not only to pioneering healthcare, but also to developing the scientists and leaders who will shape the future of children’s health.

Meet our Trainee Healthcare Scientists – Lauren and Fleur!

Lauren has been at Sheffield Children’s for three years and Fleur two years.

What does a geneticist do at Sheffield Children’s?

Our role is to understand how a person’s genes can influence their health, most clinical/healthcare scientists in genetics either specialise in cancer or rare inherited diseases. We analyse DNA from a variety of samples, such as blood, amniotic fluid, or tumour to try to find an explanation for why someone has a particular condition. This analysis provides diagnostic, prognostic, and reproductive information as well as guiding patient management and treatment options.  

What does a typical day look like at the hospital?

A typical day as a healthcare scientist involves analysis and reporting of genetic tests to provide diagnoses for patients. The genomics department works as a unit to ensure the right testing is delivered at the right time. Healthcare scientists collaborate with other members of the department, such as technologists, to support the delivery of lab work. We also work closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure patients receive the most accurate diagnoses and the best possible care.

As a trainee, we also take parts in lots of structured learning. This includes training sessions delivering presentations, and gaining experiences across different areas of the genetics department. Alongside our training and diagnostic work, we are also completing a part time master’s degree, which gives us a detailed background into genetic disease and analytical techniques.

What is your role at the Julia Garnham Centre?

At the Julia Garnham Centre, we support university students who are completing their NHS work placements in genomics. We guide their learning and help them understand the clinical implications of their findings, as well as updating resources and training. We also deliver careers talks, promoting healthcare sciences and helping to prepare them for their next steps after university.   

What’s something people might not realise about genetics?

People are often surprised to learn that rare diseases, although individually rare, are collectively quite common – affecting around 1 in 17 people in the UK. It is currently thought that around 80% of rare diseases have a genetic link, showing the importance of genetic testing in providing families with long-awaited answers. 

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of our job is knowing that our work directly impacts families. A genetic diagnosis can help guide clinical management and treatment, and it often brings clarity and reassurance to families who have been searching for an explanation. 

The Genomic Medicine Service is truly at the cutting edge of science, and we are excited to see how the field will continue to advance, particularly given the central role genetics plays in the NHS 10-year plan.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in healthcare sciences?

If you enjoy science, problem‑solving, and helping people, healthcare science is a fantastic career choice. There are many different specialisms to explore, so take the time to look into what interests you most. It’s a field where your work directly contributes to improving patient care and that makes it incredibly rewarding.

Thank you Lauren and Fleur for giving us an insight into what it’s like to be a healthcare scientist! You are an integral part of how Sheffield Children’s creates healthier futures for children and young people.