Thinking of specialising after you graduate?
Two years after qualification, Rhiannon Goldstraw shares her experiences as she begins her journey towards becoming a specialist radiographer in radiotherapy planning and brachytherapy.
I had no previous experience in planning, so my development will be an ongoing learning curve from my role as a therapy radiographer to becoming a specialist planning radiographer.
There are a high proportion of radiographers here at Christie in comparison to other sites, so radiotherapists are quite involved at all points of the treatment pathway. The specialist planning radiographers are responsible for planning, checking and contouring on organs at risk. They also advise the treatment radiographers.
When I began my new role in planning, I had already developed some clinical judgment from my previous position and degree course, but most of the learning began once I was in post. I relied on experienced radiographers to assist me.
My clinical placement as a student was an invaluable experience, but in the time given it only gives you basics and you gain more once qualifying. The physics I learnt at university was helpful, and I had a good foundation in anatomy, but I still felt I could do with more training.
I feel that is is important to stress the need for further education, even once you are in post. I didn't quite realise the importance of lifelong learning until now. I feel that being a radiographer is about developing all the time, not just during your degree.
I was very lucky with my colleagues as they provided lots of opportunity for additional education and a structured involvement in planning. The workload was a bit of a barrier at times though.
Complex treatment plans needed to leave the department quickly so I tended to shy away from them to ensure they got done fast by more experienced colleagues.
Rarer sites presented infrequently, so time elapsing between presentations hindered my retention of the knowledge and skills associated with these planning techniques.
I'm not a true specialist yet – that comes with time – but participating in research and development with my site specialists will help. The next challenge will be learning to plan with more complicated newer technology, such as IMRT.
Specialism by radiographers is very important and really rewarding as well. We are in a unique position as radiographers with our training for specialism, especially as policies like the Cancer plan change the way we work.
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