Prof Gill Harrison | From Sonography to Research, Leadership & Coaching

Watch the Humans of Clinical Academia series: Humans of Clinical Academia Hear honest career stories from clinicians who combine healthcare practice with research. What is it really like to build a career that combines clinical practice, education, research and professional leadership? In this episode of Humans of Clinical Academia, we meet Professor Gill Harrison, a radiographer and sonographer whose career spans almost 35 years across clinical practice, education and research. Gill has been at the forefront of sonography in the UK, from leading ultrasound programmes at City, University of London to shaping national and international policy through her work as Professional Officer for Ultrasound at the Society and College of Radiographers. Her research has explored some of the most important, and often overlooked, aspects of sonography: from workforce shortages and training, to work-related musculoskeletal disorders and the emotional challenges of delivering unexpected news during obstetric ultrasound scans. In this conversation, Gill shares the story behind her career, what first drew her towards radiography and ultrasound, and how research became an important part of her professional identity. We explore: • The human and emotional side of ultrasound and what happens when a sonographer has to deliver unexpected news • Why Gill became interested in researching the physical and emotional demands of sonography • Her work around workforce development, education and the future of the sonographic profession • The importance of coaching, leadership and supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals • The reality of combining clinical practice, research, education and professional leadership • Some of the toughest and most fulfilling moments of Gill's career • Why so many healthcare professionals are interested in research, but never take that first step • Practical advice for sonographers and allied health professionals who are curious about research but don't know where to begin Gill also shares one piece of advice she would give to herself at the very beginning of her career. CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome to Humans of Clinical Academia 01:18 Meet Gill: the human side of ultrasound 03:23 Growing up and an early interest in healthcare 05:06 From radiography into ultrasound 06:26 An unplanned career path 08:04 Moving from clinical work into education 09:02 When research came into the picture 10:25 The physical and emotional demands of sonography 13:44 Why the ASCKS framework was needed 15:40 Challenges and opportunities for the sonography workforce 17:54 Coaching and supporting future leaders 19:51 The biggest myth about clinical academic life 20:44 What Gill's working life looks like now 22:25 Toughest moments: leading through the pandemic 27:22 Coping with criticism and looking after yourself 29:51 The most uplifting moments 30:50 What holds clinicians back from research? 32:20 Advice when fear is the main barrier 34:50 Advice to her younger self 35:46 Imposter syndrome and giving yourself permission 38:24 Thanks and closing reflections Humans of Clinical Academia is a Manchester Catalys podcast exploring the real stories behind clinical academic careers. Through honest conversations with nurses, midwives, allied health professionals and other healthcare professionals involved in research, we're showing that there is no single route into clinical academia, and that research really is for everyone. Gill also features in our companion series, Clinical Academia: Getting Started, where she discusses the barriers that can prevent clinicians from moving into research and shares practical advice for taking that first step. Manchester Catalys supports non-medical registered healthcare professionals at MFT or The University of Manchester with one-to-one research advice, career-stage networks, and weekly funding and training updates. Monthly research seminars are open to everyone. Learn more: https://mft.nhs.uk/research/mancheste... Contact: [email protected] Subscribe: @manchestercatalys #HumansOfClinicalAcademia #ManchesterCatalys #ClinicalAcademia #Sonography #Radiography #HealthcareResearch #AHPResearch #ResearchIsForEveryone