Claire Nicholson is a consultant neurosurgeon at the Royal Victoria Infirmary.
In episode six Claire operates on 39-year-old Jen who was born with a painful condition called spina bifida – where parts of the spinal cord and nerves don’t form properly.
What made you get into this area of work?
I had a fascination with neuroscience and embryology while at university and this, coupled with enjoying the practical and very challenging nature of surgery made me want to get into this area.
What is your favourite part of your work?
The best part of my work is achieving a good outcome for my patients.
What would you say to someone who is interested in progressing a similar career?
Neurosurgery is both incredibly rewarding and incredibly tough. Anyone interested in this area of work should talk to neurosurgeons in training and at consultant level and try to get experience of the specialty while they are at medical school (e.g. an elective placement).
They should also find out as much as they can about the selection process to ensure that they can meet the requirements and attend a national neurosurgery meeting if possible.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
My other job, which is being the Assistant Curate at Holy Trinity Church in Melrose and I’m also studying for a degree in theology. I also spend time gardening and hillwalking.
How was the filming?
It was stressful but nowhere near as bad as I expected.
How to you feel about being part of the series?
I hope that watching what people go through when they are having surgery is helpful for anyone who may have to go through something similar themselves one day. I really hope that it gives some insight into what goes on in the NHS. If watching this series helps people to be less afraid of coming into hospital, then it will have been worth it.
