University of Salford’s NHS ‘Wonder Woman’ shares her career journey
Professor Alison Brettle, Director of the Centre for Social and Health Research (CSHR) and Professor of Health Information and Evidence Based Practice at the University of Salford, has been chosen to feature in the latest Wonder Women film from NHS Research & Development North West.
The film features Alison talking about her unusual route to a career in research, via admin roles and a spell fixing printers while she was studying for her master’s. She also talks about the advice she would give her younger self and top tips for those starting out in their careers.
Alison explains: “I think women aren’t always great at putting themselves first and celebrating themselves. They also often have less time, so have to be more creative in managing things. I was very lucky to have a lot of support along the way in my career and would love to see more support for other women looking to take up roles in research.
“There are so many things that need researching and there will be a place for you. If you want to do it, go for it! Put the work in and you’ll get there.”
Alison’s research has contributed to a ground-breaking independent Value Proposition report on NHS library and knowledge services in England, commissioned by Health Education England. The report, recently presented to the All Party Parliamentary Group for Libraries is entitled Library and Knowledge Services Value Proposition: The Gift of Time.
Alison’s contribution, in conjunction with clinical librarians across the UK demonstrated that embedded or clinical librarians contribute to a wide range of outcomes reflecting NHS priorities as well as saving clinicians time (from half a day to months).
Read the report and find out more about NHS Library and Knowledge Services.
The women featured in the Wonder Women films include researchers, nurses, physios, pharmacists, mums, and wives. The series aims to inspire and encourage others who may be thinking about working in the health research field.
You can watch the full video on YouTube here.
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