Claire, 47, is an ENT surgeon with a special interest in children’s ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) and disorders affecting the nose (rhinology) and the voice.
Originally keen to pursue a career as a paediatrician during medical school, Claire fell in love with ENT during her first house officer job, as she really enjoyed the mix of medicine and surgery in the specialty as well as the opportunities to work with other affiliated professions such as speech and language therapy and audiology.
What’s your involvement in the series?
During Episode 3, we see Claire carry out a procedure on 6-year-old Harrison to try to strengthen his voice. It involves an injection augmentation (filler) of the vocal cord which is used to improve the voice when the vocal cord is paralysed or become immobile.
It children it’s a procedure performed under general anaesthetic although commonly done under local anaesthetic in adults.
Did you enjoy filming?
Initially the prospect of filming was “nerve-wracking” for Claire but she admits she actually ended up enjoying it!
“I felt a need to represent ENT but also fly the flag for women in a surgical speciality which is still very male dominated.”
What do you do in your spare time?
When she isn’t looking after patients, family time is really important to Claire.
“We are so lucky in the North East to have plenty of sites to visit and go for walks. I also enjoy sewing as a hobby and am self-taught in making dance costumes for the kid!”
What would you say to someone who was interested in pursuing a similar career here?
I would say go for it – it’s so diverse and interesting.
