What year did you graduate?
2015
What is your current role?
Senior Radiographer at The Proton Beam Therapy Centre at The Christie
How did you get into your current role?
Previous to Radiotherapy I was a database manager, but didn’t enjoy the role and didn’t find it challenging enough. I always wanted to do something related to science that also helped people. I’d never thought of Radiotherapy as a career option until a chance reading of an article in Guardian Careers got me interested – it seemed to tick all the boxes. I contacted a University that offered the course, followed some advice regarding entry qualifications and next thing I knew, I had moved to London and enrolled on an access to science course. It was all a bit whirlwind and has been challenging but it was the best decision I’ve ever made. I’m now at a point in my career where I can start to diversify and I’m hoping to start a pre-doctoral scheme funded by NIHR this year.
Can you describe a typical day?
I now work in the Proton Beam Therapy Centre at The Christie in Manchester. Working in a Proton Therapy department is similar to a standard Radiotherapy department in that most of my time is spent treating patients, ensuring accuracy of the treatment and that the patients are well cared for. I have a senior role so I also manage and mentor junior staff. I am the health & safety rep for the department so at any point I could be involved in an issue relating to this. I have also been leading an audit into the efficacy of vacbags for immobilising patients, so today I have been trying to find the time to practice my presentation for the Annual Radiotherapy Conference. The role can be quite varied from day to day, depending upon the needs of the department.
What do you enjoy about your role?
I really enjoy the team work and patient interaction aspects. You get to meet some really interesting people – both staff and patients. I’ve made some of my best friends at work and some patients have left an indelible mark on me. It can be quite emotional sometimes but knowing how grateful the patients are and the benefit that the treatment gives them makes it all worthwhile. I also enjoy being busy, which is fortunate given my ever-increasing workload.
What do you find challenging in your current role?
Finding time to do all the things I want to do. I have been doing a lot of extra work recently to support my application for the pre-doctoral scheme and performing the vacbag audit. When you already have a full day of clinical duties it’s hard to find time to do everything.
What advice would you give to a current student at St George’s who is keen to get in to a similar area of work as you?
Practically, you will need the degree but beyond that you need to have enthusiasm for the subject. Talk to people, ask questions, show interest and don’t be shy.
It can be a very difficult job both physically and emotionally but it can also be very rewarding. Like anything in life, you get out of it as much as you put in.
If someone would like to get into Proton Therapy then I’d be more than happy to discuss their options.
Which aspects of your degree are relevant for your current role?
All the degree was relevant but I think the time spent on Clinical placement was the most important. Putting all the theory into practice, learning how to be a team player and communicating with patients – all of this is so important in becoming a confident well rounded radiographer. My best advice is to listen to your feedback.
What would you say were the best / most challenging things about your degree?
The best things for me were meeting all the new people and getting involved in university life. I really liked becoming part of the radiography society and putting on useful events for other students.
The worst bits were being so poor all the time and not having enough spare time to have a part-time job because clinical placement takes up a lot of time. You have to be very good at budgeting.
If you could go back to your time at St George’s, would you do anything differently?
There are always things you could do differently but would they be done better or have a better outcome? I enjoyed my time, had a good social life and was happy with my results.
Do you have any advice or a message for current students at St George’s?
Get involved in different things. Become student rep or join the darts society. Don’t just study, study, study. It all adds to who you will become as a radiographer.
Do you have any advice or a message for students considering studying at St George’s?
I really enjoyed my time at St Georges. I would highly recommend it as a place to study.