Former leukaemia sufferer graduates with BSc in Clinical Physiology

Matt Rutter.

A MAN who received life saving treatment for leukaemia a decade ago has graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Clinical Physiology from Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge.

Matt Rutter studied at the Faculty of Health and Social Care at Anglia Ruskin, which works with Addenbrooke's Hospital, and now works in the same unit where he was once a patient.

The 26 year old, of Cambridge, was named Young Healthcare Scientist 2008 in a national healthcare awards ceremony after being nominated by colleagues and patients at the Addenbrooke's lung function unit.

He said: "Since finishing my degree I've been working full time in the lung function lab at Addenbrooke's hospital, a place which is clearly very close to my heart (and lungs).

"In fact, I have only recently returned to work as I was off for most of September having a second pneumothorax (a lung collapse, causing chest pain and making breathing difficult) requiring surgery, which meant that I had to go off to Harefield in London.

"Thankfully I'm now back and up to full speed again and will be able to celebrate my graduation, a day which will recognise four years of work. It will be a day that I will truly enjoy."

Matt was diagnosed with leukemia aged 15. A regular visitor to Addenbrooke's lung function unit, Matt's dream was to work there as a physiologist and following a week's work experience he was offered a job.

As a clinical respiratory physiologist, Matt works with patients suffering from a wide range of conditions, all of which have an impact on their lung function. Carrying out a variety of tests, to measure lung capacity, for example, the work he does helps doctors diagnose and prescribe the right course of treatment.

Matt is already planning to undertake post-graduate degree studies, although the subject area is still to be decided.

Looking back at the last few years, he said: "It was overwhelming to be nominated for the healthcare award, and my graduation now makes this period in my life a double-edged celebration."

Matt added: "I feel very happy that I have such a rewarding job and that I have now proved myself in terms of my career potential by completing my degree.

"I do have a few projects ongoing at the minute; and after my experiences on the degree course, I could ultimately see myself giving something back to others, possibly in a teaching role in the future.