We are AHPs (Allied Health Professionals)

We’re celebrating our Allied Health Professionals (APHs) who help treat, rehabilitate and improve the lives of our patients. Here we get to know five members of our team who work in different AHP roles across our hospitals and community sites.

Letitia Aduako Owusu, Therapeutic Radiographer

What do you do?

I‘m part of the stereotactic radiotherapy team at Guy’s Cancer Centre. I work with cancer patients and my job involves using a machine that releases X-rays to kill cancer cells.

Why did you choose your profession?

After finishing my A-levels I took a year out before going on to university. I decided I didn’t want to pursue a career in midwifery so I spoke with my mum and she gave me some suggestions. Like most parents she wanted me to be a doctor or a pharmacist, but I knew I didn't want to be in education for that long. Then she mentioned radiotherapy because she had received this treatment for her breast cancer. Radiotherapy is something you don't hear about very often, especially when it comes to cancer treatment, so I was intrigued. I did some research, attended an open day, and I knew from then on that this was something I wanted to do.

Why Guy's and St Thomas?

Guy's and St Thomas’ offer many radiotherapy techniques that I’d never seen as a student or even at the start of my career. I really feel like I am able to develop more as a radiographer here, and learn from my colleagues.

What are your future plans?

Currently, I'm focused on developing my skills as a senior radiographer. In the future, I’d like to explore different career paths in oncology, beyond the clinical side of things.

If you could tell your younger self one thing about preparing for your chosen career, what would it be?

Always remember to take care of your own well-being so you can provide the best care for your patients.

Heather Probert, Therapy Lead

What do you do?

I lead the Cardiovascular Prevention & Rehabilitation department across Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals. I am also a consultant physiotherapist working with patients who have more complex needs. ?

Why did you choose your profession?

I knew I wanted to work in a healthcare setting and after my school career’s day I did some work experience in physiotherapy and decided it was the career for me! The quote: "It’s not the years in your life that count, it’s the life in your years" really resonates with me.

Why Guy's and St Thomas?

I was lucky enough to do an elective student placement at Royal Brompton followed by a junior rotation at Harefield Hospital. So I discovered the field of cardiac rehabilitation early on in my career. In my current role the work is always varied, and I love being able to be innovative and help as many patients as possible.

What are your future plans??

I have recently taken over the presidency for the British Association of Cardiovascular Prevention & Rehabilitation for the next two years. I also plan to start a PhD over the coming year, so there certainly won’t be any time to get bored!

If you could tell your younger self one thing about preparing for your chosen career, what would it be?

In the world of physiotherapy, the possibilities really are endless! There are so many areas you can specialise in, from clinical settings as well as in leadership, research and education.

Tom Wicinski, Operating Department Practitioner

What do you do?

I provide expert care to patients before, during and after surgery involving anaesthesia. This includes preparing specialist equipment, ensuring patient safety, and reducing their stress level through conversation before they go to sleep.

Why did you choose your profession?

I was an IT technician when I first came to this country from Poland 19 years ago. I got a job as a healthcare assistant at another London hospital but then a secondment opportunity came up in the operating department. I didn’t know such a role existed but I was eager to advance my skills.

Why Guy's and St Thomas?

Did you know St Thomas' was the first hospital to begin formal training of Operating Department Practitioner's formerly known as theatre technicians? It has a long history and I wanted to move to a trust where highly specialist and complex treatments are carried out.

What are your future plans?

As an operating department practitioner, you’re a second pair of eyes for the anaesthetist and surgeon. You need to be vigilant, looking after the patient and acting on their behalf, if needs be. It's important job, so I try to raise awareness about this role and organise public open days, school visits and I am determined to do far more in the future.

If you could tell your younger self one thing about preparing for your chosen career, what would it be?

I would have told myself to read more about anatomy and physiology! But these days you can find out about all the great new projects and advancements right there on social media.

Phuong Quach, Occupational Therapist

What do you do?

I work with refugees and asylum seekers with disabilities. I assess their needs and make modifications that help them become more independent in their daily living while they stay in Home Office Initial Accommodation. I also recommend suitable accommodation when people are relocated and promote their well-being by linking them to local social activities.

Why did you choose your profession?

Seeing my grandfather struggle after his stroke, I understood his wish for independence and autonomy. His journey motivated me to choose a career in health. After high school, I found occupational therapy, which appealed to me because it focuses on everything that is needed to help people achieve independence.

Why Guy's and St Thomas?

I aspired to work with refugees, and Guy's and St Thomas' is one of the few trusts to offer occupational therapy to this specific client group. I want to do practical things to support them, enhancing their well-being, and this role allows me to achieve that.

What are your future plans?

I’ve recently joined the Trust and see myself growing with the team. I’m really impressed with the level of training and staff support at the Trust and the work around promoting equality, diversity and inclusion. I’m from Australia and of Vietnamese heritage, so I’d like to be more involved in these initiatives.

If you could tell your younger self one thing about preparing for your chosen career, what would it be?

Believe and trust that you can make a positive change.

Maya Asir, Speech and Language Therapist

What do you do?

My role is varied and includes working with infants and their families on the neonatal unit to develop feeding skills and to minimise problems with the respiratory tract and chest.

Why did you choose your profession?

Early experiences can have a huge impact on children's development and their families' lives. Seeing families feel empowered to provide the best care for their babies is priceless.

Why Guy's and St Thomas?

Being part of Evelina London, and the Trust, is like finding a home. A home with passionate, kind, open-minded, humble, and magnificently talented people all working tirelessly and going above and beyond.

To find out more about AHP jobs at our Trust visit our website: Current vacancies | Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust (guysandstthomas.nhs.uk)

?