World Radiography Day 2014

Posted 10th November 2014

Radiography student Richie Madden talked to BayTV about why he changed career paths to become a radiographer.

World Radiography Day on November 8^th is designed to specifically mark the anniversary of the discovery of x-rays in 1895 and to actively promote radiography as a career. The day also provides the radiography industry with a chance to increase public awareness of radiography and promote the vital contribution it has made to modern healthcare.

To celebrate the day, student radiographer Richard Madden, 30, from Liverpool, shared his story with local TV station BayTV. Richie has just started his second year of a three year course as a student radiographer. Half of his training is spent on placement at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, shadowing clinicians and helping to administer crucial cancer treatment to patients from across the country.

Watch Richie's interview here

Despite radiography’s integral role in modern day cancer treatments, there is a national shortage of radiographers, with the profession featuring on the government’s list of national shortage occupations. Richard, who is studying at the University of Liverpool, explores why this might be, tells his story and gives his advice on how to become a successful radiographer.

From barman to healthcare professional

Richard left school after his A Levels and had a number of different jobs over the ten years that followed, from bar work to working in a security company. He was happy in his work. Then, Richard’s life was turned upside down when his father, John Madden, was diagnosed with kidney cancer. Richard said: “Dad was diagnosed in February 2009, after going to the doctors with terrible back pain. Unfortunately, the cancer had already spread to his back, hence the terrible pain he was in, and he had to have one of his vertebrae removed, which meant he was no longer able to walk.

“He also had a course of radiotherapy at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre but sadly, the cancer was too aggressive and he passed away in March 2010. It was then that I decided to go into radiography. The care my father received at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre was world class and it really inspired me to help other people who are in the same position. I was so lucky to get my first choice placement at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, working alongside the same talented professionals who helped my family.”

“Two years on and I’m so thrilled that something so positive has come out of such a sad time. My mum is so proud of what I’m doing and I got married in July and my best man even mentioned my course and change of career in his speech!”

Advice from a current student

Richard continued: “It’s a shame that, nationally, there is a shortage of radiographers, with many school leavers being unaware of the profession. I suppose as an 18 year old choosing a career path, people think there are just two routes into the healthcare professions - becoming a doctor or becoming a nurse - but the options are so much wider than that. Some students might also think that working with cancer patients would be difficult. They really shouldn’t because it is such a rewarding job and my favourite part is working with the patients and seeing the positive outcomes that our treatments can have.

“My course is in therapeutic radiography, which is a specialist course that leads to a specific career. Some people might think that radiographers just take x-rays, but the job involves so much more than that. My course is preparing me for everything from preparing the intricate machinery and administering the correct dosage of radiotherapy, which is vital to ensure a patient’s safety, to the more human side of supporting patients through what can be a very traumatic time in their lives. It also involves working with working with physicists and Clinical Oncologists to plan the treatment, calculate doses and map the area to be treated.

“I hope my story shows that it’s never too late to change career. If someone asked me how to get into radiography now, I’d recommend A Levels in physics and biology but it is not essential. There are a range of courses on radiography across the country and I’d highly recommend them for people looking for a fulfilling, rewarding career working with people.”

Plans for a major expansion of cancer services across Merseyside means that further opportunities in radiotherapy, diagnostic imaging and other cancer professions will be available in the North West in the future. It is proposed that a specialist cancer hospital in the heart of Liverpool, run by The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust, will share a site with Royal Liverpool University Hospital and the University of Liverpool, bringing services closer to home for 63% of cancer patients across the region. As well as ensuring new job vacancies in a wide variety of cancer-related professions, the new site will also put Liverpool at the forefront of emerging technologies, including those in radiotherapy.