Inspire: Respiratory Physiology: Career Insights with Aisling McGowan (Part 1)

18/08/2025 31 min
Inspire: Respiratory Physiology: Career Insights with Aisling McGowan (Part 1)

Listen "Inspire: Respiratory Physiology: Career Insights with Aisling McGowan (Part 1)"

Episode Synopsis

Join us in this interview with Aisling McGowan, Chief 2 Physiologist at Connolly Hospital, Dublin, whose 34-year career in respiratory and sleep diagnostics has combined clinical expertise, education, and leadership. We explore the role of a respiratory physiologist, the varied training paths into the profession, career progression, opportunities in education and leadership, and the challenges and rewards of a career in respiratory physiology in Ireland.



01:10 Describing the role of the respiratory physiologist




03:13 The training pathway for respiratory physiology




06:32 Specialising in respiratory physiology




08:10 Postgraduate entry to respiratory physiology




08:50 Career progression; staff grade to senior to chief one and chief two




12:10 Advanced practice in respiratory physiology




13:53 Changes to the role if advanced practice came into effect




14:45 Opportunities abroad for Irish trainees




15:50 The pathway for internationally trained respiratory physiologists




16:20 Popularity of respiratory physiology degree courses




17:09 Challenges in recruitment and retention




17:50 Additional postgraduate training opportunities: Master of Science




20:10 Staff shortages and workloads




21:45 The impact of integrated community care hubs on tertiary care staffing




22:26 Vision for lung function diagnostics in the integrated care hub




27:18 What keeps you engaged?

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