This International Nurses Day we are proud to highlight the dedication and impact of the Anne Rowling Clinic’s exceptional research nursing team. As frontline contributors to neurological research, nurses play a vital role in bridging compassionate patient care with clinical research studies. Their expertise and commitment continue to drive progress in understanding and treating conditions such as multiple sclerosis, motor neuron disease, Parkinson’s, and dementias.
We caught up with two of the senior research nursing staff to find out more about their role at the Clinic.
Ethan Stoker
Hello! My name is Ethan Stoker and I am a Senior Research Nurse at the Anne Rowling Clinic. I chiefly lead the MND research portfolio at the Anne Rowling Clinic. As part of my job role, I am also one of the Alan Davidson Nurses for the MND-SMART clinical.
I was previously a ward nurse in vascular surgery before starting at the Clinic as a research nurse, so it was quite a difference in the style of work in comparison with my time on the wards. I have really enjoyed my time at the Anne Rowling Clinic as it has allowed me to develop a wide range of unique competencies and knowledge. I have also been able to see the full breadth of what a nurse can be.
The Clinic has allowed the entire nursing team to be at the forefront of cutting-edge research through working in tandem with the NHS clinical teams. The research nursing team also work closely with the laboratory technician team to bridge the gap between laboratory and clinical research known as “bench to bedside research”. This ensures that people with neurological conditions receive the best health care available to them while ensuring everyone has a chance to participate in the best health research.
Judith Watt
Hello, my name is Judith Watt and I am a Senior Research Nurse predominantly working within the multiple sclerosis portfolio. I am quite new to the research role, coming from an acute neurology ward background. I have found the learning curve to be fascinating, albeit a little steep! My experience working within a large multi-disciplinary team is serving me well in my new position, allowing me to ‘find my feet’ with the aid of my very supportive colleagues. The role is varied and exciting and I feel privileged to be involved in pioneering clinical trials that have the potential to change disease treatment and management.
Useful Links:
MND-SMART Alan Davidson nurses news article (external website supported by University of Edinburgh)
Find a research project a listing of research studies at the Anne Rowling Clinic filterable by disease and status.