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Dream Job

Learning: Primary

Factual: Life Stories

Some people who love their work, and want to tell you all about it.

Dream Job: Series 1: Consultant Dr Jason Long

Dr Jason Long with Bryan Burnett

Consultant Dr Jason Long

Series 1

BBC Scotland - Dream Job, Series 1, Consultant Dr Jason Long

Bryan Burnett meets consultant in emergency and retrieval medicine, Dr Jason Long.

Dr Jason Long is a consultant in emergency and retrieval medicine at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in southern Glasgow, one of the largest acute hospitals in the UK.

Jason Long wanted a job where he could ‘make a difference in society’. He now works in one of the biggest hospitals in the UK, the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, formerly known as the Southern General, where he heads up the medical and nursing teams staffing Accident and Emergency (A+E) 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Never scared by the sight of blood, Jason tells Bryan, 'if you’re squeamish about anything that comes out of the body, this isn’t the job for you!'.

He and his team are ready on a daily basis to care for patients who arrive at the doors of A+E. Stubbed toes, motorcycle accidents, house fires or emergency helicopter trips, taking off and landing on the 14th floor of the hospital, could all be part of their day.

Jason remembers a time when there was ‘not one computer in the whole hospital'. He talks to Bryan about the unpredictable nature of his job, the tests and technology at his disposal, but also why simply talking to the patient can be the most important tool of all. 

Jason discusses what drew him to A+E as a specialism and tells Bryan what he thinks are the best things about his job. 'Amazing feelings' can come from not just saving a life, but from a relative's simple 'thank you'. The team he leads are mutually supportive and close-knit. He reveals to Bryan the team-building qualities of a helping hand....and the occasional doughnut.

Bryan hears Jason's view on protective mums and dads and asks whether Jason himself avoids dangerous sports. Advice is given to those thinking of a career in medicine, nursing or a related profession.

Calm and inspiring, over 20 years since he qualified as a doctor Jason still says working together to make patients well shows him on a daily basis 'just how amazing medicine is'.

Dream Job: Series 1

BBC Scotland

A BBC TV channel for Scotland which will broadcast every evening and will show drama, factual, comedy and news programmes made in Scotland

Bryan Burnett meets people who have achieved their dream job.

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Dream Job

Series 1

Consultant Dr Jason Long

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