Sian Taylor Philips \u2013 professor of population health<\/p>\n
Asked to define a job full of joy, not many of us would opt for one that revolves around fine-tuning government health policy. But not many of us are Sian Taylor-Philips. <\/p>\n
The Warwick University professor is a leading light in health screening, synthesising the latest research so that policy makers can make evidence-based decisions. And if that sounds about as exciting as watching paint dry, think again. Because this is about changing \u2013 and even saving \u2013 lives, she explains. It gives health bosses the information they need to \u201cinvest in the things that do work \u2013 and say no to the things that don\u2019t.\u201d Which has a direct impact on patients\u2019 life chances.<\/p>\n
But \u2018joyful\u2019? \u201cOh yes! I get up in the morning and I really want to go to work because it\u2019s exciting: I get to use the latest methods, get to learn from some of the best scientists, some of the best doctors in the world. I actually get to use science to improve the NHS. That\u2019s joyful because it gives me a real sense of purpose.\u201d<\/p>\n
It\u2019s one that\u2019s brought into focus by her latest project, exploring how the use of AI could transform screening for breast cancer, both by freeing up radiologists\u2019 time by doing some of the precise analysis needed, and potentially improving detection rates. It\u2019s early days, says Taylor-Philips, but there are already some \u201creally promising\u201d results from smaller studies elsewhere, so \u201cit could make a real difference\u201d.<\/p>\n
It brings together the professional and the personal, she adds. \u201cI\u2019ve been through the screening programmes that I advise on. So that\u2019s screening for cancer, but also [for] pregnancy and newborn babies. It\u2019s really rewarding to be offered screening programmes that I\u2019ve had an input to, knowing it\u2019s improving the health of my own children.\u201d<\/p>\n
I get to use the latest methods, get to learn from some of the best scientists, some of the best doctors in the world. That\u2019s joyful because it gives me a real sense of purpose<\/p>\n
Asked what brings her joy outside her job, she is quick to mention them \u2013 a two- and a seven-year old (\u201cvery lively, very joyous!\u201d) \u2013 but also her father, who some years ago experienced a brain injury that can result in depression, but who \u201cgoes to all these positive thinking classes: he\u2019s an incredibly positive man\u201d.<\/p>\n
Listening to Taylor-Philips enthuse about her work, it\u2019s tempting to conclude this is a trait that runs in the family. So, does it help in the day job? \u201cAbsolutely! I think it\u2019s critical. You need to imagine you can improve the NHS, which take a lot of positivity and enthusiasm. And to deliver on these big research projects, you need a team of people supporting each other and working together really well. The best way to achieve that is to be cheerful and positive. It\u2019s infectious \u2013 it communicates itself to the patients as well. So it is really important to be positive and joyous!\u201d<\/p>\n
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