Alumni Profiles

Charley Woollams BSc Biomedical Science

Charley Woollams in a car, with sunglasses on her head
Current job title

Genomic Practitioner

When did you start in the NHS?

August 2021 as a Healthcare Science Practitioner Specialist. February 2023 as a Genomic Practitioner.

Why did you choose to work in the NHS?

The NHS is so important to us and I wanted to help out and make a difference to patient care.

Describe what you do?

As a Genomic Practitioner, I contact patients and consent them for a genetic test called Whole Genome Sequencing. I talk them through the test in more detail, the types of results they might receive, and the implications of undergoing testing. We facilitate blood tests being taken for the test and take them ourselves for patients struggling to get this done elsewhere. We liaise closely with the labs to ensure they have all the paperwork and samples required for testing.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

Talking to patients with varying levels of knowledge about genetics. It's lovely to be able to explain things in a way that they understand as genetics can be a minefield!

What would you say to someone thinking about a career in the NHS?

Absolutely do it! It's so rewarding.

How would you describe the NHS in one word?

Essential.

It looks like you’re visiting from outside the UK, would you like to be redirected to the international page?

Yes, take me to the International page. No, I want to stay on the current page.