"I chose Diagnostic Radiography because I liked the idea of finding answers to unknown questions"

Published: 04 February 2020

Tuesday 4 February is World Cancer Day. St George’s Diagnostic Radiography course equips students with the skills and knowledge to use technology to detect and monitor diseases such as cancer.

Jeel Desai is a third year Diagnostic Radiography student at St George’s. Below, Jeel discusses what initially attracted her to studying the course, the benefits of studying at St George’s and the different roles that radiographers play in helping patients with cancer.

“I did an Extended Project Qualification during my A-Levels on the technology used to diagnose and treat cancer which is what initially attracted me towards being a diagnostic radiographer. I also did some work experience in a radiology department in a local hospital to better understand the job.

“I chose diagnostic radiography rather than therapeutic because I liked the idea of finding answers to unknown clinical questions. Diagnostic radiographers train to become professionals in an imaging setting where they use different machines and technologies to diagnose patients - whereas therapeutic radiographers train to plan and deliver radiotherapy treatment for cancer patients.

“However, it is very important to understand the role of both diagnostic and therapeutic radiographers in the clinical pathway of a cancer patient. Therapeutic radiographers play a vital role in treating patients with cancer and it is also vitally important to diagnose cancer as early as possible.

“Being based within a hospital as you are at St George’s has helped me to better understand the roles of different healthcare professionals, both within the clinical setting and in the diagnostic pathway of a patient. The new radiography facilities at St George’s have also massively helped as it means you can practice examinations before going onto placement.

“I have been on placement at Guys and St. Thomas and West Middlesex Hospital so far. I find placement the most beneficial part of the course because I get to learn first-hand what the job of a Diagnostic Radiographer is really about.”

The government recently announced grants of up to £5k for students studying Allied Health courses of which Therapeutic Radiography is one. To find out more about these, please click here.