Mentoring with the SoR | CoR: a chance to develop personally and professionally

Jeyasuthan Mahadevan, radiographer, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

As an international radiographer who relocated to the UK, I joined the FoRRM scheme to enhance my research skills and advance my career in evidence-based radiographic practice. With a longstanding passion for research, I saw this opportunity as a valuable way to learn from experienced mentors, gain a deeper understanding of the UK radiography research landscape and receive meaningful feedback to support my professional growth.

I was fortunate to be paired with Dr Iain MacDonald, a senior lecturer in medical imaging sciences at the University of Cumbria, whose support and encouragement have been invaluable from day one. His expert guidance and constructive feedback through regular meetings have significantly boosted my confidence and research capabilities.

I am proud to share that the research project based on the learning experiences of apprentice radiographers that I completed under his mentorship has been accepted for oral presentation at the Nurses, Midwives, Allied Health Professionals, Healthcare Scientists, Pharmacists and Clinical Psychologists (NMAHPPs) conference in Oxford in July. This is an important milestone in my professional journey. I highly recommend that colleagues with an interest in research consider developing their skills through initiatives like FoRRM; if you have a basic idea for a research project, this could be the ideal starting point.

Nmesoma Ukaji, MRI radiographer, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first applied for the scheme. I knew I had an interest in research, but wasn’t sure where to begin and how to build my research capacity while still clinical. I was lucky to be paired with a mentor who understood my needs and was able to guide and support me in addressing them. Through my mentor’s support, I was able to gain skills in grant application writing as I submitted a CoRIPS grant application. I got ideas on opportunities available that I could access, review on applications, and made meaningful connections through mentorship. Just having someone to encourage and support your growth, willing to answer questions, point you in the right direction or simply just listen made all the difference.

I am in a much better place than when I started and couldn’t be more grateful for this opportunity. I highly recommend this programme for radiographers at the early stages of their research career as it’s tailored to each person’s needs.

Shelley Smart, senior lecturer, University of Cumbria, Lancaster

As a senior lecturer and an experienced practitioner, I was initially hesitant to apply for the mentorship scheme as I presumed it was intended for those in the early stages of their career. However, I soon realised that it is for individuals with varying levels of expertise, as well as a range of objectives. I joined the programme to gain momentum in my research – specifically to write up a longitudinal study for dissemination and to prepare a PhD proposal. I have found balancing a demanding workload with developing as a researcher increasingly difficult, and I was looking to draw upon a mentor’s expertise to help navigate these challenges.

The scheme has been invaluable; it has given me the opportunity to explore ideas, develop a breadth of research skills and build confidence. The structured approach, which has included regular meetings and manageable deadlines, has helped to give me clarity and direction and ensured progress. Thanks to the mentorship scheme, I am now in the final stages of writing my first research paper and have made progress toward my PhD.

I’d highly recommend the mentorship scheme to anyone who is looking to develop their research career. The programme will provide the space to develop skills, gain direction and explore possibilities, while providing expert support and guidance along the way.

Holly Spencer, lecturer in medical ultrasound, Health Sciences University, Bournemouth

For me, the FoRRM scheme has been an opportunity to pair up with a highly experienced researcher – someone who could help make the ‘unknown unknowns’ known. My mentor, the fantastic Dr Julie Woodley, has supported me to clearly define my research goals and to make positive steps towards their attainment. This has included several important firsts for me, such as my first publication in a peer-reviewed journal, my first manuscript review for Radiography journal, and my first oral presentation at an international conference. Additionally, I’ve successfully applied to a doctoral-level programme (due to start later this year) which feels like the ‘crowning achievement’. FoRRM has also provided unparalleled peer support and access to wider radiography research networks.

Altogether, I cannot overstate my recommendation of the scheme. If you’re thinking of applying, my advice is to explore the FoRRM webpage in its entirety, as I found this very helpful when pulling together my application. Go for it, and good luck!

Victoria Fletcher, college academic lead for access, participation and success, and senior lecturer for BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography, Birmingham City University

I applied because I am a radiography academic with nine years of increasing leadership responsibilities. Despite my experience growing, I found myself struggling with confidence despite performing well in my roles. I have quite an introverted nature, which led to imposter syndrome and a propensity for second guessing my decisions. I also found this made it difficult for me to build networks. I applied to the LMS to develop my self belief, understand my transferable skills and have the opportunity to network in a supportive environment.

From a memorable moment perspective, the Chemistry Conversations ‘speed dating’ event was really anxiety-inducing – 15 conversations in one day felt like a nightmare for someone who dislikes networking! However, it helped refine my goals and revealed that my lack of confidence and imposter syndrome were shared by other mentees and even some mentors. This was just the first day, but it was a brilliant experience. My mentor couldn’t attend on the day, so we matched as a bit more of a paper exercise. But I feel if we had met in person, the outcome would have been the same as I have found the match really well suited.

My mentor is also a radiography academic, and this has proved beneficial – we have been able to develop our bond over shared responsibilities and have a common understanding of development opportunities within the field and the pressures of an academic workload. We meet once a month and had a ground rules/goal-setting meeting as our first meeting. The structured goal-setting process provided clear direction, though flexibility with these goals became more valuable as my development took a more organic route. I entered the mentoring relationship with quite fixed ideas about what I needed to develop (time management, CV building, career planning) but my mentor encouraged deeper reflection on what truly mattered to me. Through this insight, she has helped me to establish a healthier work-life balance and consider the broader impact of my career choices on myself, family and colleagues. My professional role has undergone some changes during the scheme because of an institutional restructure; however, the scheme has helped me to recognise that I can lead effectively from the front or within a team, and I have learned the importance of compassionate leadership and self care in supporting both myself and others. I feel more confident in my abilities and in understanding the positive impact my leadership can make on others. 

The process taught me about my motivations and has had positive effects both professionally and personally. For anyone considering joining, I would say do it, but be open to the process, stay flexible with goal setting and allow your development to unfold organically to get the most out of the scheme.

Emma Edwards, programme director for radiography (diagnostic imaging), Keele University

Undertaking this mentorship scheme has given me more confidence in my job and in being an advocate for the profession. It has opened up many doors for me through networking and has given me self confirmation and self belief in my role as an educator, professional and a leader.

Having recently returned from maternity leave, impostor syndrome and lack of confidence were at an all-time peak. This support and mentorship have given me a safe and protected environment to ask questions, set personal achievable goals and allow time for reflections, which in turn has removed some of the imposter syndrome I faced. As part of my job, I focus on the progression of students and staff I support. This opportunity allowed me to be selfish at times and focus on myself and my goals. I am so grateful I was accepted for this scheme and I am proud of my achievements in this short period of time (first publication, a promotion, a Synergy article, multiple oral presentations accepted at national conferences, national networking, dissemination of some of the work I am passionate about and baby number two on the way). I really respect my mentor and feel I have made a critical friend for life – someone who truly sees me and accepts me for who I am.

If you are wondering if this is a good option for you, I would recommend you apply. You meet lovely mentees and mentors along the way, and it has really boosted my understanding of leadership from seeing this from a wider perspective. The matching process allows mentees to pick a mentor they click with, which is part of the reason this scheme has been so successful for me. In the future, I am hoping to transition from mentee to mentor, as it has positively impacted my life. I would like to have the same impact on a future leader of the profession. If I can do it, anyone can.

Ferdouz Ramazan, PhD researcher, University of Sunderland

The LMS has been an incredibly valuable experience. Over the past year, my mentor has provided consistent guidance, helping me build confidence, reflect on my leadership approach and develop key management skills. The scheme also encouraged me to explore and refine my career goals within healthcare management.

I highly recommend this programme to anyone considering a move into management or those who are in the early stages of their leadership journey. It offers a unique opportunity for guided self reflection, skill building and professional growth within a supportive and motivating environment.