AAST’s membership is uniquely made up of professionals in a variety of roles across the sleep-care profession. We caught up with AAST member Louise Peers, RPSGT (left), about her start in the sleep field, advice for those just starting out in their sleep career journey and more.
What led you to enter the field of sleep?
Within the National Health Service (NHS), you can specialize in respiratory medicine, which also includes sleep. I also studied neurophysiology when I first started back in 1989 and was involved in the study of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which was really interesting.
Think back on when you first entered the profession — what advice would you give yourself now?
Study hard, ask questions and be interested in the patient’s story and symptoms always.
Tell me about your involvement in AAST. What made you want to join the organization and how long have you been a member?
I only recently joined the AAST, as I decided that after performing polysomnographic studies for four years on a four-bedded unit full time, along with 30 years of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and home studies, I wanted to pursue a qualification. I went for the RPSGT, passed and was thrilled!
I then wanted to ensure I would maintain the qualification. AAST offers continuing education credits (CECs) and the magazine, A2Zzz, was interesting to me. I would also need courses in the future, and the virtual learning aspect is great, especially as I most likely won’t have the opportunity to travel to the United States.
What is one AAST resource that has made you more successful in your career that others should know about?
Having the RPSGT qualification has given me more kudos, and keeping up to date is really easy with all the courses. The CECs are also valuable to me as a way to maintain my credentials.
What do you enjoy most about the work you are currently doing?
I have enjoyed teaching new students coming through the NHS respiratory and sleep service.
What makes you hopeful or excited about the future of the profession?
I have also started on the Oxford University course in sleep medicine, so seeing emerging therapies and diagnostics is very exciting. I have seen 30 years of CPAP therapy and mask advancements, so embracing change is so important.
What would be your advice to young professionals interested in pursuing this field?
If you love it, do it. Sleep as a field is greatly expanding and circadian medicine is growing. We should be doing more research into sleep — we still know so little really.