A recent project looks at how the use of AI could transform screening for breast cancer – just one way in which Sian Taylor Philips explores science-backed improvements for the NHS. She describes the joy of working with leading lights in medicine – and why she thinks positivity is crucial to change things for the better
Sian Taylor Philips – professor of population health
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.
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 – and even saving – lives, she explains. It gives health bosses the information they need to “invest in the things that do work – and say no to the things that don’t.” Which has a direct impact on patients’ life chances.
But ‘joyful’? “Oh yes! I get up in the morning and I really want to go to work because it’s 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’s joyful because it gives me a real sense of purpose.”
It’s one that’s brought into focus by her latest project, exploring how the use of AI could transform screening for breast cancer, both by freeing up radiologists’ time by doing some of the precise analysis needed, and potentially improving detection rates. It’s early days, says Taylor-Philips, but there are already some “really promising” results from smaller studies elsewhere, so “it could make a real difference”.
It brings together the professional and the personal, she adds. “I’ve been through the screening programmes that I advise on. So that’s screening for cancer, but also [for] pregnancy and newborn babies. It’s really rewarding to be offered screening programmes that I’ve had an input to, knowing it’s improving the health of my own children.”
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’s joyful because it gives me a real sense of purpose
Asked what brings her joy outside her job, she is quick to mention them – a two- and a seven-year old (“very lively, very joyous!”) – but also her father, who some years ago experienced a brain injury that can result in depression, but who “goes to all these positive thinking classes: he’s an incredibly positive man”.
Listening to Taylor-Philips enthuse about her work, it’s tempting to conclude this is a trait that runs in the family. So, does it help in the day job? “Absolutely! I think it’s 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’s infectious – it communicates itself to the patients as well. So it is really important to be positive and joyous!”
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