Co-Chairs
Grace
2nd Year Clinical Immunology
Charing Cross Hospital
I am based within the Infection & Immunity department at Charing Cross Hospital, we help investigate patients with autoimmunity, immunodeficiency and allergy.
My advice would be to avoid comparing yourself to others, everyone starts from a different place and moves at their own pace. Focus on your own growth and learning, because everyone is capable in their own way. Over the next 3 years, enjoy it as much as possible and take any opportunity to learn!
Anna
2nd Year Cardiac Science
St Bartholomew’s Hospital
My role includes patient-facing diagnostics such as electrocardiograms, echocardiography, exercise testing and cardiac rhythm management. This is combined with data interpretation and a contribution to service improvement. Alongside developing my skillset in the above, I have a passion to support peers in their training to become qualified clinical scientists!
My advice: the STP can feel like an obstacle course, and progress isn’t always linear. Small consistent efforts, working hard & being kind to yourself will help you excel in the programme!
Buddy Scheme Co-Leads
Millicent
2nd Year Genomics STP
Guy’s Hospital
My role involves learning about different types of genetic tests and how to analyse the results to help diagnose patients with rare diseases and inherited cancers. I also explore how these diagnoses can impact patient management and have implications for their wider families. Having moved to London for the STP I can understand what a big change this programme can be in all aspects of your life. I wanted to be involved in further developing and co-managing a scheme which can offer support and advice to any STP no matter their trust or specialism across London.
My advice: trust yourself. You’ve worked hard to get here!! Though there will be challenges, they will help you grow both as a scientist and as a person..
Rebekah
2nd Year Clinical Bioinformatics STP
Guys and St Thomas’s
As Clinical Bioinformaticians, we utilise computer science skills to develop and deploy tools which enable the Genomics service to deliver genetic testing, mainly next-generation sequencing testing, to patients receiving testing for rare diseases and cancers. In my role, I consider patient data safety & confidentiality, quality control and reproducibility, and automation of processes to improve outcomes. I am fairly new to the skillset I’m developing as part of the STP, so I understand how huge the mountain can feel when starting this programme. As a Buddy Scheme Co-Lead, I hope to contribute to a Scheme which connects trainees with the peer support they need to build a successful foundation for their training.
My advice: Don’t be scared to be a beginner. Ask a lot of questions and speak up when you’re lost – no one expects you to be an expert from the start! You will find that Clinical Scientists are an extremely helpful and friendly bunch – your wider team is there for you to get all the support you need to navigate this programme.
Case Club Lead
Paola
2nd Year Haematology and Transfusion STP
Royal London Hospital
I am based in Blood Sciences at Royal London Hospital. In Haematology and Blood transfusion, we investigate blood malignancies, haemostatic disorders, red cell disorders and ensure safe transfusion of blood products!
My advice: pick up a hobby! The STP is very intense and takes a lot of your time. So pick up an activity that you truly enjoy and allows you to destress. Be nice to yourself and you will excel in your role!
Communication, Social Media and Events Leads
Izzy
2nd Year Clinical Biochemistry STP
Charing Cross Hospital
I am currently in my second year of training to become a Clinical Biochemist. In this role, I will ultimately be responsible for analyzing bodily fluids such as blood and urine to help diagnose, monitor, and guide the treatment and prognosis of diseases. Throughout my training I am gaining hands-on experience in the laboratory and developing a deeper understanding of the techniques used in the analysis of various analytes.
My advice: Believe in yourself! It is easy to doubt your abilities or fall victim to imposter syndrome. I hope that my role in the network will allow friendships and working relationships to develop. The programme can be tough, it is important we have one another for support!
Representative for Local/National Meetings
Angel
2nd Year Radiation Protection and Diagnostic Radiology STP
University College of London Hospitals
As an STP trainee in DR&RP, you’ll develop knowledge and skills to ensure the safe and effective use of ionising radiation in medical imaging. Trainees develop expertise in imaging physics, dose optimisation, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance, working closely with clinical teams to enhance both image quality and patient safety. The discipline plays a crucial role in safeguarding patients, staff and public while supporting diagnostic and therapeutic innovation across the NHS.
Balancing work, study, and university life can feel overwhelming at times — but don’t worry, you’ll get through it. My biggest tip as a trainee is: don’t chase perfection. You’ll always get feedback, and that’s part of the learning journey. Don’t drain yourself trying to write the perfect piece of work. Take care of yourself, reach out if you’re struggling, and remember — we’re all in this together
Pre-registration Clinical Scientist Chairs
Manali Naik
Pre-Registration Clinical Scientist
Cytogenetics and Developmental Disorders
Hi, my name is Manali & I am currently working in the Developmental Disorders team at Guy’s Hospital. My team primarily uses SNP microarrays to enable genomic diagnosis for patients with neurodevelopmental or congenital delays. My training has spanned across the prenatal, developmental disorders and haemato-oncology teams. I am very passionate about connecting with other trainees and collaborating through our training journeys!
Advice for new trainees: take your time to adjust to the role and learn the ropes, and don’t feel stressed or pressured to have a plan from the start. Also, don’t hesitate to enlist the help of a buddy or a mentor for the logistical and administrative details of your training journey, they will have a wealth of experience and would be happy to support!
Sharon O
Pre-Registration Clinical Scientist
Cancer Genomics
I am a Pre-Reg in Cancer Genomics working towards HCPC registration through the AHCS STPE route. My specialism focuses on acquired haematological malignancies and solid tumours, including leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and cancers of the breast, lung, colon, and brain. In my role, I analyse and interpret cytogenetic and molecular information to support the diagnosis, inform prognosis, and guide the treatment management of patients.
I am passionate about supporting education and training and advancing initiatives to help improve professional development.
My advice to new trainees: Be proactive in seeking out learning opportunities, connect with other pre-regs and trainees, and above all, stay organised with your portfolio!
Ayah
Pre-Registration Clinical Scientist
Clinical Engineering
I work across both Medical Device Management and Rehabilitation Engineering, which gives me a broad and rewarding perspective of the field. On the Medical Device Management side, my work is often behind the scenes, focusing on technical assessments, safety checks, and risk management to ensure that devices are safe and reliable to use in hospitals. In Rehabilitation Engineering, I work with patients to carry out gait analyses and generate reports that contribute to their treatment plans.
My advice to new trainees: It’s normal to feel uncertain or lack confidence at times. Everyone starts somewhere, and you will eventually get the hang of things. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, no matter how small they may seem. Be curious, get involved in as much as you can and enjoy yourself in the process!
The London HCSTN 