Working Life: With more clinical trials, Ireland's cancer patients can get tomorrow's treatments today

Angela Clayton-Lea, CEO of Cancer Trials Ireland

Angela Clayton-Lea, CEO, Cancer Trials Ireland

“In career terms, I did things in reverse. I got married, had kids and then, aged 30, went to Trinity College Dublin to study radiotherapy for four years. It was a privilege to attend university full-time, made possible through the support of my husband, Tony, who took on school runs and after-school care. Upon entering the workforce, I hit the ground running and progressed very quickly.

“I started as a radiation therapist in St Luke’s Hospital, Rathgar, in 2004 and loved my work. It combined a highly technical role with a strong focus on holistic, patient-centred care, and I gained invaluable research experience. For me, the patient has always been at the heart of everything.