Welcome

I am delighted and excited to be writing my very first editorial for Imaging & Oncology since taking up the post last July. I have thoroughly enjoyed the last 11 months bringing this publication to life and have also learnt so much during this time. First and foremost a huge thank you also to all the authors who have contributed to this edition. This would not have been possible without you, thank you for sharing your amazing work.

I would also like to personally acknowledge and thank Alex Rapson-Ballinger (I&O production editor) and Charlotte Beardmore (SoR executive director for professional policy) for their unwavering support and guidance since I started this journey.

For this edition, I continue to focus on the important contemporary topics in clinical imaging and oncology covering areas such as workforce and education. This year I have also ensured that topics reflect the 'four pillars' of practice as acknowledged in the College of Radiographers Education and Career Framework. My aim also for the publication is to further expand its global reach and as such we have author contributions from colleagues across the globe. Finally, to enhance the digital capabilities of the publication.

I am proud to share a diverse set of articles that highlight innovation, collaboration and good practice within our profession.

Dr Guilherme Couto introduces us to the ECHOES platform which can help address expertise gaps in radiography education and research worldwide. This ties in with a discussion piece by Elio Arruzza on the importance of education which will allow radiographers the capacity to participate in research and contribute to advancements in technology.

Involving stakeholders in the design of a radiography programme is a key expectation and its value has been highlighted by Dr Aarthi Ramlaul, Jamie Sewell and Mohammed Ahmed 

Dr Christopher Hayre has offered an insight and provided a commentary on his experiences as a transnational academic radiographer by establishing himself overseas.

Ensuring technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR) are not just novel tools of potential, but tools of transformation in a patient-focused profession has been championed by Dr Darren Hudson who provides an informative overview of its use and benefits. 

Nick Gulliver and Luisa Pereira provide a comprehensive update on the field of molecular imaging and nuclear medicine where they explore some of the recent advances and the emerging technologies shaping the field.

With a focus on radiography international exchange activities Dr Edwin Abdurakman and Anna Mear discuss their novel project on virtual methods of engagement and knowledge exchange with the University of Malaysia.

An honest and personal reflection of her current role has been provided by Tessa Roberts, a Diagnostic Radiographer and now the first advanced clinical practitioner in emergency care.  This aligns well with a piece by James Harcus, Melanie Clarkson, Kayleigh Hizzett and Professor Beverly Snaith, who provide a thorough overview of career planning with a specific focus on the application of the four pillars of practice in radiography. With a spotlight on the leadership pillar Robert Ghafar provides a personal story on his leadership trajectory and offers advice for aspiring leaders.

Finally in Imaging & Oncology we focus on our service users and their experiences. I was honoured to interview Andy Tudor who gave me an insight into his diagnosis and treatment for brain cancer and his amazing work as a radiotherapy advocate.

Colleagues, I hope that you will all find something to reflect on and to take away for your own practice, happy reading.

Very best wishes

Professor Ricardo Khine 

Editor