Dr Laurence Gray, specialty registrar in clinical pharmacology, University Hospital Llandough, Cardiff
What do you do? and what is a typical week for you?
In Cardiff, our work covers many aspects of clinical pharmacology. Typically, I will be involved in answering calls for the National Poisons Information Service (NPIS) and looking after the patients on our inpatient ward. We also have specialist outpatient clinics in hypertension and adverse drug reactions on a weekly basis. I also have my general internal medicine commitments, looking after our medical inpatients and leading the on-call team.
What qualifications and experience do you have?
I have an undergraduate medical degree and postgraduate diplomas in toxicology and therapeutics from Cardiff University.
I have completed Foundation and Core Medical training in Wales and am close to completing my Specialty Registrar training in Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics
What’s the most interesting aspect of your job?
The most interesting aspect of the job is the variety of areas which I can get training in. I enjoy getting involved with lots of different aspects of therapeutics and medicine management; the opportunities to specialise in the different areas really keeps your options open.
Also as a clinical pharmacologist I get to see the appliance of science!
What are your research interests?
I am currently conducting research into hypertension but my role for the NPIS also reflects my interest in toxicology.
What one piece of advice would you give to someone seeking a career in clinical pharmacology?
I would simply say go for it, there is so much to offer and exploring your interests can be very rewarding.