Join us in this interview with Aisling McGowan, Chief 2 Physiologist at Connolly Hospital, Dublin, whose 34-year career in respiratory and sleep diagnostics has combined clinical expertise, education, and leadership. We explore the role of a respiratory physiologist, the varied training paths into the profession, career progression, opportunities in education and leadership, and the challenges and rewards of a career in respiratory physiology in Ireland.

01:10 Describing the role of the respiratory physiologist

03:13 The training pathway for respiratory physiology

06:32 Specialising in respiratory physiology

08:10 Postgraduate entry to respiratory physiology

08:50 Career progression; staff grade to senior to chief one and chief two

12:10 Advanced practice in respiratory physiology

13:53 Changes to the role if advanced practice came into effect

14:45 Opportunities abroad for Irish trainees

15:50 The pathway for internationally trained respiratory physiologists

16:20 Popularity of respiratory physiology degree courses

17:09 Challenges in recruitment and retention

17:50 Additional postgraduate training opportunities: Master of Science

20:10 Staff shortages and workloads

21:45 The impact of integrated community care hubs on tertiary care staffing

22:26 Vision for lung function diagnostics in the integrated care hub

27:18 What keeps you engaged?