Dr Claire Mercer worked as a radiographer for 5 years before specialising in the field of mammography. She progressed to being an advanced practitioner performing interventional breast biopsies. From here Claire became a Quality Assurance Radiographer and progressed into a management role as Programme Manager for Breast Imaging.
Claire got the research bug when she began her Masters in advanced medical imaging at the University of Salford, which she completed in 2011.
“I was completely overwhelmed to get my MSc with distinction,” she says. “When it was suggested that I continue in research, I didn’t think twice; I was completely hooked! Before I knew it I was in the middle of a PhD, focusing on practitioner variation in breast compression.”
Claire then moved roles and became Lead Radiographer of Breast imaging at a Mammography Training Centre and also completed her PhD by published works in 2015.
“There were some very challenging moments when work was very intense and there were stringent deadlines to meet in my studies,” she says. “It was tough but very worthwhile.”
Following her PhD, Claire was successful in securing a lecturer role at the University of Salford, where she continues her research and thoroughly enjoys her work with undergraduate and postgraduate students.
“I like to motivate students and show them that anything is achievable if they work hard.”
Claire now has a successful Twitter account within her specialism @WeMammographers which she manages with an Australian mammographer.