Aoife Lavin – Year 4 Neurophysiology Student

"When working in a neuroscience lab as a Clinical Measurement Scientist every day is different. We perform a wide variety of tests including Electroencephalography (EEG), Visual Evoked Responses (VER), Electroretinogram (ERG),  Brain Auditory Evoked Responses (BAER), Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS), Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (SSEP), Motor Evoked Potentials (MEP), among others. We see a range of neurological problems, Epilepsy being the most common. As a clinical measurement scientist you will train in the use of the machine and devices used in the diagnosis of these problems and how to interpret data. Neurophysiology is a continuously expanding area to get involved in and it is never dull."

 "I did my final year placement in a vascular laboratory and loved every minute of it! The work is very hands-on, and DIT gives students fantastic experience through their placements. A huge variety of tests are performed in a vascular laboratory. Ultrasound forms the basis of the majority of these tests and, thanks to DIT, I had a good understanding of how it works before starting placement. The vascular lab tests for a variety of conditions including aneurysms, arterial stenosis, deep vein thrombosis and varicose veins. The most rewarding part of the job is following up patients and seeing their progress, particularly post-surgery. It really demonstrates the importance of vascular scientists in a multi-disciplinary team".

Majella Gilmartin – Year 4 Respiratory Physiology Student

"Patients who are diagnosed with repiratory diseases frequently visit the Respiratory Lab. These would include diseases such as  Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Emphysema, Bronchiectasis, Bronchitis and Lung Cancer. We perform many different test types on the patient in the respiratory lab including spirometry, gas diffusion and lung volume measurements, and Hypoxic challenge testing (fitness to fly). We also diagnose sleep disorders (sleep apnoea) such as obstructive, central, mixed sleep apnoea, and narcolepsy. I particularly like the variety of the work and the daily challenge and have really enjoyed my time at DIT".

Ross Keogh, Year 4 Cardiology Student

"The role of a cardiac scientist: using the available diagniostic tools, they gather the necessary information and work with the cardiologist to set the appropriate path of action and treatment. In cardiology, you dont just work with the heart, you work with the patient as a whole. It is an exciting, fast paced disipline with many branches such as cardiac ultrasound imaging and cardiac electrophysiological studies. The great thing about cardiology is that you dont know what to expect each day; in a busy department, each day can be considered a new adventure."