Abstract
ERS Monograph Chief Editor elect, John Hurst, gives an insight into his life http://ow.ly/NfDg30kVaM0
John Hurst is the ERS Monograph Chief Editor elect. He is a Reader in Respiratory Medicine at University College London, where his research looks at the mechanisms of exacerbation susceptibility and cardiovascular risk as applied to COPD and bronchiectasis. This extends to α1-antitrypsin deficiency, lung disease in primary immunodeficiency and the adult consequences of prematurity. His clinical work at Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust focuses on the Specialist COPD and Bronchiectasis services, and he has an active role in undergraduate and postgraduate medical education. He is COPD lead for the UK National Asthma and COPD Audit Programme.
Did you always dream of being involved in medical research/healthcare?
Actually, my first love at college was chemistry, then I went to a careers talk on medicine and the tutor said “don't do medicine – it's really, really hard”. I've always liked a challenge, so I applied. Looking back, I can't believe I wanted to do anything other than medicine.
What is the best advice you had when you were starting your professional career?
Maintain a healthy balance between work and life.
What advice would you give someone at the beginning of their professional career?
To proactively seek out and work with the best people in the field that interests you most.
What has been the greatest change to make a difference in your field in your lifetime?
The development of computed tomography lung imaging. We take it for granted, of course, but every time I look at a scan I still find it just a little bit amazing.
What do you foresee being the next great thing and what do you foresee as being the biggest challenge in your field in the next 10 years?
My passion is COPD, so as a “COPDologist” it is strategies to effectively reduce exposure to tobacco smoke, and to indoor and outdoor air pollution that represent the greatest challenges we face.
How do you see the future of the ERS?
Going from strength to strength. I'm hugely proud to me a member of the ERS, a family of clinicians and scientists from across Europe and further afield, working together to reduce the burden of lung disease and to improve lung health.
When are or were you happiest?
My hobby is railway photography – not fashionable I know – so you'll find me truly happy halfway up a sunny hillside, freight train due, digital SLR in hand…
What do you dislike most?
Pointless bureaucracy.
Whom would you most like to thank?
My partner, for celebrating the good times and for support during the rest.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Physically – a marathon.
Who are your favourite authors?
Had you asked me about a favourite book I would've said “A Suitable Boy” by Vikram Seth. I promise it's worth the investment of your time!
Who are your heroes
in real life?
I don't do hero worship.
Where would you most like to live?
London, so that's fortunate.
What is or was your greatest journey?
Back in 2006 I travelled from London to Vladivostok by train. It took a fortnight. I learnt a lot!
What qualities do you appreciate most in your friends?
Honesty, humour, support.
What qualities do you appreciate most in your colleagues?
Constructive challenge, reliability, diversity.
What is your personal motto?
People have personal mottos?
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Jump To
- Article
- Abstract
- Did you always dream of being involved in medical research/healthcare?
- What is the best advice you had when you were starting your professional career?
- What advice would you give someone at the beginning of their professional career?
- What has been the greatest change to make a difference in your field in your lifetime?
- What do you foresee being the next great thing and what do you foresee as being the biggest challenge in your field in the next 10 years?
- How do you see the future of the ERS?
- When are or were you happiest?
- What do you dislike most?
- Whom would you most like to thank?
- What do you consider your greatest achievement?
- Who are your favourite authors?
- Who are your heroes in real life?
- Where would you most like to live?
- What is or was your greatest journey?
- What qualities do you appreciate most in your friends?
- What qualities do you appreciate most in your colleagues?
- What is your personal motto?
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