Glasgow Memory Clinic is an Independent Research Organisation dedicated to conducting a range of clinical trials to find better treatments for those with Memory Impairment, Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia. Our main objective is to ultimately find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.

Our dedicated facility within the West of Scotland Science Park relies entirely on volunteers to take part in our clinical trials. A significant part of our aim is to ensure an informative, relaxed and positive experience for anyone who gets in touch with us, visits our facility or takes part in our trials. Here’s what our Reception Manager, Martin Donaldson has to say about working for Glasgow Memory Clinic:

Q: What was your background before joining Glasgow Memory Clinic?

A: Prior to joining the Glasgow Memory Clinic in October 2018, I previously within various long-term roles managing the main reception for very large organisations.

Overall, I have a strong front facing/customer service background having worked in this industry for the past 27 years. Working with these transferable people skills has enabled me to work for a variety of different industries over the years including Education, Finance, Publishing, Building & Construction, & Public Sector.

Q: Describe a typical day for you?

A: Every day is different which is what I love most about my current role. Each morning, there are routine activities and duties to attend to including retrieval of answerphone messages, responding the email requests from participants, business partners & suppliers, as well as post, milk, and newspaper deliveries. However, it is the engaging in conversation with patients who attend the clinic each day that makes the role most interesting. Listening to different life stories and the various personalities that I come into contact with each day from all over Scotland is something I relish.

Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job?

A: Receiving positive feedback from a patient. Whether this is a small gesture in receiving a compliment or a simple, ‘thank you’ to a task you have performed or offered to assist, to a thank you card or letter following an appointment attended. All adds to making the whole patient/reception experience better.

Q: What is your favourite thing about working for Glasgow Memory Clinic?

A: Knowing that the work you are undertaking each day is contributing towards the success of the overall organisation, a place striving to make a difference in helping to find a cure for Alzheimer’s and dementia. I like to think reception is a vital cog in the works helping other departments operate smoothly and with success.

Q: When you aren’t working, what do you do to relax/unwind?

A: I like to listen to music but also enjoy travel especially escaping on holiday to far off warmer destinations for some much needed sunshine!

Q: What’s the best piece of work related or personal advice you have received?

A: Life’s too short to worry about everything. I think that as you get older, it’s important to just take everything in your stride and deal with whatever life throws you rather than fret and stress about things that may never happen. Enjoy life for each moment you live it.

Q: What would you say to someone who has never considered getting involved with a clinical trial?

A: To participate. Not only are you receiving a great free health assessment from professional friendly staff, you are contributing towards finding a cure for a horrible disease which affects so many people we all know and love.