Dr Russell Barber on his Harley Academy Level 7 Experience
Thinking of taking the next step in your medical aesthetics training by pursuing a Level 7 Diploma in Botox & Dermal Fillers?
Our newest testimonial video features Dr Russell Barber who talks through his journey and experience of completing his Level 7 in injectables. This gives you the chance to understand a little bit more about what it’s like to train with Harley Academy.
Discover, read and watch Dr Russell’s testimonial below and find out about:
- How he found his Level 7 training
- His favourite part of the diploma course
- How he fitted his aesthetics training around his NHS day job
- Advice for doctors considering a career in aesthetics.
About Dr Russell Barber
Dr Russell Barber has a medical background as a consultant in intensive care and anaesthetics for the NHS.
He trained at Harley Academy in 2019, completing his Level 7 Diploma in Botox & Dermal Fillers.
These days, Dr Russell splits his time between the NHS and STORY Clinic in Southwell, Nottingham. He works there alongside Dr Marcus Mehta, Harley Academy’s Chief Marketing Officer and co-founder of STORY Clinics.
Why did you choose to do your Level 7 in Injectables with Harley Academy?
“Through my training… my training in anaesthetics and my training in medical school and training in intensive care - I've always strived to be the best and strived for a high standard of care for my patients. That's the same that happens in my aesthetics practice. I want to provide the best for my clients. So, the Level 7 by Harley Academy is the standard, I think it's the gold standard, to provide a high level of care for clients.”
How tough did you find your Level 7 training?
“It was a challenge but it was a challenge where the hurdles were made so much easier by Harley Academy.
“The provision of the opportunities to attend, the kind of family atmosphere, to provide and be responsive to your learning.
“I like to think of myself as a self-guided learner, as I've had to be. But there's always that kind of family network to provide for your needs and your training. So, I thought it was excellent from that point of view.”
What was your favourite part of the Level 7 Diploma course?
“I know my not-so-favourite part and that was the exams. But you're used to having to pass exams and that's part of the process.
“My favourite part? Through my job in anaesthetics and [intensive care] I'm very needle-centric. So it's using those practical skills and those translational skills that I enjoy. I enjoy [it] in my other jobs and also as an aesthetics practitioner. It's putting what you've learned and all your theory into practice, therefore, the actual injecting.”
How did you fit your aesthetics training in around your NHS work?
“Because a lot of it was online, the resources are there - you can dip in and dip out. You can do your training around your lifestyle. You can also use it to compliment what you're doing in your day job as well.”
What’s the most valuable thing your Level 7 injectables training taught you and how has it influenced your day-to-day aesthetics practise?
“I think when I first started to inject I was probably over-confident because of my background. I think the most important thing for me was that Harley was able to rein in that enthusiasm and overconfidence. And actually bring me back to the basics and build me up again in the style of what's needed for aesthetics practice to deliver things safely and appropriately.
“What's really nice about Harley Academy, I can still access all their training resources - even the ones that have been updated. And that's quite useful, even just to dip in and dip out as a resource. Because there's things that you do forget as you keep on practising.
“There's things that you forget about - some of the anatomy. You can just kind of bring yourself back to the knowledge base of anatomy to make sure you're doing it right. Particularly if you're doing it by yourself.”
What advice would you give to doctors considering a career in medical aesthetics?
“I think someone who's working in the NHS as a doctor, there's a lot of skills they can gain from their practice. Gain those experiences and then utilise them when you're in the aesthetics industry. So, you don't want to become a doctor and then immediately move into aesthetics. There's a lot of learning to be done in the NHS or in medical practice. You really need to build up and utilise those in your aesthetic practice for the benefit of clients.
“So, it's not just the injecting skills. It's the interpersonal skills, working as a team, using audit standards, clinical governance. As well as, learning about how a lot of diseases affect the skin, and how that is important for picking up for your clients, and adjusting your treatment plan for them.
Would you recommend Harley Academy to medical professionals looking to start a career in aesthetics?
“With a slightly biased opinion, I have been in the industry for a number of years. I still think Harley Academy is the gold standard in terms of provision of education and teaching, and developing you as a practitioner, even after you've done your Level 7.”
For more first-hand accounts from graduates of our various aesthetics training courses, check out our Testimonials page.
Are you a doctor, dentist or nurse looking to start your aesthetics career? Book a call with our helpful Courses Advisors who’ll help to determine the best pathway for you.
All information correct at the time of publication
