At HealthUnlocked, we often get the privilege of getting to know many of you through your interactions with us and on the platform.
We know your interactions with us are often limited to support, and thought it would be great if you could get to know more of the HealthUnlocked staff a little better! We’ve set up a few interviews to introduce you to some of the faces behind-the-scenes of your communities. Our first instalment in this series of chats is with Sam, the bearded bloke in the picture above!
Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Hey, my name is Sam and I'm a software developer at HealthUnlocked.
Coffee or tea?
This is a tough decision but I’ll go with coffee. It’s got to be hot though, can’t say I’m a fan of the coldbrew stuff! I’ll usually have it black and no sugar/cream but I have been seen with a flat white from time to time.
When did you join HealthUnlocked?
I joined HealthUnlocked in May of 2016, not long after I moved to London!
How did you get into software development?
My dad has been interested in computers since before I was born so I've always been around some bit of technology. It started off with me physically taking computers apart until I was old enough to take computers apart and put them back together again through programming software. This lead me to studying Software Development and Computer Networking at college and eventually to programming for HealthUnlocked.
What's your favourite thing about working for HealthUnlocked?
One of my favourite things about HealthUnlocked is the amount of scope there is to provide your input and have your voice heard. It's not just one or two people calling the shots, everybody has the opportunity to chip in and share new ideas or give feedback.
There's also the exposure to a lot of very interesting technology which keeps me engaged and challenged. We're constantly trying to improve HealthUnlocked while trying to provide new features - there's never a dull day!
What's something you've done at HealthUnlocked that you're proud of?
Ah, is it cheating if I say that I'm proud of everything I've done at HealthUnlocked?? Actually, one thing I'm particularly proud of is a painting I worked on at one of the ArtUnlocked sessions. It's an Irish Wolfhound wearing a beanie, yet to be completed (he's just a floating head at the moment).
N.B You can see this picture in the frame on Sam’s desk!
What's your favourite hobby?
My favourite hobby at the moment is Bikram yoga. I took it up last summer and I can't get enough of the stuff. It's great for setting up the day or winding down in the evening, you've got no choice but to tune out the rest of the world and focus on your postures and breathing. I figure while I'm sweating and panting my way through a 90 minute class my subconscious is busy taking care of the rest of day!
What's the hardest part of your job?
Either choosing the best Spotify playlist to listen to or picking a spot to go to for lunch…
But if we're strictly talking about my day to day work then I think it would have to be testing any features we make or bugs we fix. Designing and implementing tests that make sure the task we've completed is sound and that make sure anything we've already built hasn't been adversely affected is something of a dark art but we're getting better at it.
What's one thing that you've learned from being at HealthUnlocked?
People can accomplish a lot more than they think they are capable of. Whether it's the result of a personal breakthrough or with the help of family, friends and colleagues we can build anything we set our minds to or overcome any obstacle in our path. The team at HealthUnlocked and our users throughout the world are testament to that.
