Congratulations to Audiologists Louise McGarva and Melissa (Mel) Gray, who have both successfully completed their BSc in Audiology with Anglia Ruskin University.
Balancing study, clinical work, and family life over the past two years has been no easy task, and their achievement is a real testament to their dedication and commitment. Although already working as qualified audiologists, this degree enables them to progress into specialist areas such as complex hearing assessment, rehabilitation, and paediatric audiology, bringing real benefits to patients and to the wider Audiology team.
As there are currently no undergraduate programmes in Audiology or Clinical Physiology in Scotland, both Louise and Mel had to travel regularly to Cambridge as well as complete extensive online learning, making their success even more impressive.
Their individual achievements are also worth celebrating:
- Louise achieved the best Dissertation grade in her year, earning a special award from a leading hearing aid manufacturer. She is no stranger to recognition, having previously received the NHS Healthcare Science Rising Star Award earlier in her career.
- Mel has already embarked on her specialist pathway, completing the Diagnostic Auditory Brainstem Testing course, which directly supports the Newborn Hearing Screening Programme in NHS Forth Valley.
Stephanie Doody Orr, Audiology Services Manager, praised the pair, saying: “This is a real morale-boosting achievement for two excellent audiologists. They should be so proud of themselves, having worked across all graduate-level audiology for many years in NHS Forth Valley.
“The completion of this degree cements their skills and knowledge, takes their practice to the next level, and promotes good clinical and staff governance within our team.
“It also helps secure the future of local audiology services through a ‘grow your own’ approach. Louise and Mel are a real inspiration – having both started their careers in administration roles, they’ve shown that with hard work and a commitment to learning, there are no more glass ceilings for them.”
