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Case study: Your Path In Research - Tessa Dean, Research Midwife, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Case Study: Tessa Dean

Tessa Dean is a Research Midwife at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust. Here she talks about how research is different to traditional ward-based work.

 

Q: How did you become involved in health and care research?

A: I wanted to do some of my own research in the field of midwifery and started working in the Department of Clinical Research in order to increase my experience of research.

 

Q: Why did you get involved in research?

A: As above - and because I was looking for a new challenge beyond shift work in the maternity unit.

 

Q: What do you enjoy about working in health and care research?

A: It's a really fascinating mix of different things - patient care, organisation, networking, education.

 

Q: How can research benefit/add to your career?

A: It's a totally different and very varied role compared to traditional ward-based work.

 

Q: Why do you think health and care research is important?

A: Absolutely! Many aspects of maternity care are under researched so we need research to clarify how we should best look after women.

 

Q: What are your hopes for your career in research?

A: Continuing to combine work in clinical research with my own academic ambitions.

 

Q: Why is it important more people become involved in delivering health and care research?

A: They will learn about the importance of research and also the complexities of its delivery.

 

Q: What impacts have you seen research make in health and care?

A: In maternity guidelines are frequently updated to reflect new evidence as it is generated.

 

 

Q: What would you say to someone thinking of starting a career in research?

A: Go for it!!!