Always learning

Aims and ambitions 

The day was opened by current SoR president Dave Pilborough, who set out what the SoR does, the benefits on offer, and also the importance of radiographers in the modern health service. 

Speaking to Synergy, Dave said: “I think it's a very important event to show the Society's dedication to bringing students together. 

“It's vital that we are seen to help in training and in steering people towards their careers, and help them in their aims and ambitions.

“As a radiographer, you’re always learning. One of the biggest factors of my presidential year this year has been sharing good practice, and that’s sharing your practice wherever it comes from - be it someone who has been in the job for 30 or 40 years, or someone who has just graduated and has learned to do something new. 

“It’s not a career you can stop learning in.”

Next up in the running order was Jo McNamara, senior lecturer in radiotherapy and oncology at Sheffield Hallam University, and co-host of the Rad Chat podcast. 

In the first of her two sessions during the day, titled ‘Enhancing your employability,’ Jo talked attendees through the skills they would need when applying for jobs after finishing their studies, from interview technique, to writing personal statements, and how to set yourself apart from other candidates.  

She also encouraged students to think about other career opportunities that may one day be available to them, like management and leadership, education, research or even entrepreneurship.

Sharing journeys 

Jo’s session was followed by a 15-minute guided meditation, and then it was on to a fireside chat, titled ‘Spotlight on radiography careers.’ 

This group discussion featured six radiographers from varied backgrounds, who each shared their personal pathways during their careers. 

The panel was made up of SoR professional officer for ultrasound Gill Harrison, Maylin Tong, a nuclear medicine radiographer at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Dr Ian Simcock, clinical academic radiographer at Great Ormond Street Hospital, Emma Rose, consultant interventional radiographer at Great Ormond Street, Jeanette Carter, consultant radiographer at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, Michelle Tyler, SoR professional officer for careers promotion and outreach, and chaired by Dr Amy Robertson, the SoR’s professional officer for education and accreditation.

This session was a highlight for many of the audience, as each panel member explored their unique pathways that led them to their current careers, and how unexpected twists impacted their direction. 

Rebekah Vyce, a mature student studying at the University of the West of England in Bristol, told Synergy: “Hearing people’s stories [was a highlight], just the huge variety. 

“There’s no one size fits all, and literally every single person’s story is different. 

“If you start down one route, you can deviate at all different points , and that’s quite encouraging.”

SoR president Dave added: “The panel discussion was great, sharing people’s journeys, people’s own experiences, I think is vital. It’s one thing being told how to be employable, but it’s completely something else learning it from someone who’s already done it, so that’s been the highlight for me.” 

Raymond Amoako Bempah, an SoR student rep at Sheffield Hallam, and Therapeutic Radiography Student of the Year at the 2023 Radiography Awards, attended the conference, and said the panel discussion was also one of his highlights. 

“I think mainly the stories people have shared today have been really good,” Raymond said. “because one thing I’ve learned is that most people didn’t say they started off with a plan. It’s interesting how they all had different journeys, but all managed to find something that really works for them, something that they’re really passionate about and something that has meaning to them as well.”

Passion for radiography 

After the panel discussion, the conference then moved on to a session from Dr Amy Robertson, who offered a presentation on the fourth edition of the College of Radiographers Education and Career Framework (ECF) - a 350-page document that helps radiographers navigate through their careers. 

Amy also hosted the following session - a talk on professional development, that outlined some of the essentials for students to know about Continuing Professional Development (CPD). 

Reflecting on the conference after the event, Amy told Synergy: “The passion for radiography as a fulfilling and exciting career from speakers, panel and delegates was palpable. 

“The panel session was a standout for me with radiographers from around the country sharing their stories and experiences from their career journeys with students. There was a real sense of community in the room and during the session breaks with networking and sharing of experiences in the learning journey so far.”

Overcoming the imposter voice 

Next on the agenda was a session led by Gill Harrison, dealing with the issue of the imposter voice in radiographers.  

In late 2023, new research published in SoR journal Radiography, found that 77 per cent of student radiographers felt like imposters, lacked confidence, and experienced feelings of not belonging while on clinical placement. 

The paper, titled ‘Imposter phenomenon traits in radiography students: Findings from a UK pilot survey’ involved a survey of 92 undergraduate diagnostic and therapeutic radiography students. 

In her session, Gill took students through exercises to help overcome these feelings - including asking students to write down words and phrases that they would use to describe themselves.

The students were then asked if they perceived each of those words as positive or negative, and then urged to list evidence to support or refute each description. 

Connor Parish, a second year student at the University of Suffolk in Ipswich, is studying therapeutic radiography, having already completed a degree in diagnostic radiography. 

Having taken a year off from his studies due to personal reasons, Connor said that on returning to placement he felt he wasn’t supposed to be there. 

He said he found the imposter syndrome session particularly reassuring: “It’s been beneficial because it has made me realise maybe I’m not as much of an imposter as I originally thought. 

“I think [a highlight] was realising that I do know my stuff.”

A buzz in the room 

And finally the day wrapped up with a session from Jo McNamara, this time talking about her work with Rad Chat, the multi-award winning Therapeutic Radiographer-led podcast, founded by Jo and Naman Julka-Anderson. 

The podcast takes listeners through a wide-range of oncology topics, including patients’ first hand experiences, and insight from healthcare professionals. 

In December last year, Rad Chat reached its two-year anniversary, with more than 200 episodes released, and has helped contribute to CPD for more than 200 people.

Jo’s final session brought to a close a packed but inspiring day for the gathered students. Many of those who spoke with Synergy said they had come away feeling reinvigorated by the passion each of the speakers had for the profession. 

Nichola Jamison, the SoR's students and new professionals officer, who organised much of the event but was unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances, welcomed the support for the conference.

“This conference has been the highlight of our event calendar this year,” she said, “continuing our work to inspire confidence and ambition in future radiographers.

“A huge 'thank you' to all who contributed to, delivered and attended our first annual student conference since 2018. The level of support for the event has been incredible, and I truly hope that our student members left SoR HQ feeling empowered, excited and ready to step towards their aspirations!”

Gill Harrison said: “There was a great buzz in the room as students engaged with each other and the speakers to learn more about increasing their confidence for their radiography career.

 “Thanks go to Nichola Jamison for putting together a range of expert speakers, the Conference and Events team, speakers and attendees for making the day such a success.

 “It was great to see so much interaction and networking from delegates. I was impressed by the quality of questions and engagement throughout the day.”

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