Join us in this interview with Aisling McGowan, Chief 2 Physiologist at Connolly Hospital, Dublin, whose 34-year career in respiratory and sleep diagnostics has combined clinical expertise, education, and leadership. We explore the role of a respiratory physiologist, the varied training paths into the profession, career progression, opportunities in education and leadership, and the challenges and rewards of a career in respiratory physiology in Ireland. 01:10 Describing the role of the respiratory physiologist 03:13 The training pathway for respiratory physiology 06:32 Specialising in respiratory physiology 08:10 Postgraduate entry to respiratory physiology 08:50 Career progression; staff grade to senior to chief one and chief two 12:10 Advanced practice in respiratory physiology 13:53 Changes to the role if advanced practice came into effect 14:45 Opportunities abroad for Irish trainees 15:50 The pathway for internationally trained respiratory physiologists 16:20 Popularity of respiratory physiology degree courses 17:09 Challenges in recruitment and retention 17:50 Additional postgraduate training opportunities: Master of Science 20:10 Staff shortages and workloads 21:45 The impact of integrated community care hubs on tertiary care staffing 22:26 Vision for lung function diagnostics in the integrated care hub 27:18 What keeps you engaged?