Why I Want To Become A Radiologist

The development of pioneering technologies such as MRIs and X-rays as a means to explain the fragility of the human body has captivated me to pursue it in depth at university. In particular, diagnostic radiography has piqued my interest, as I believe that the right diagnosis through accurate technology is essential. It's important for me to know and understand the issue, before I am able to take action . The basis of my fascination developed from studying A-level Biology and Psychology. This enabled me to explore new scientific areas that I previously was not fully aware of, such as how fMRIs can be used to detect active areas of the brain using changes in blood oxygen.

In my spare time I find myself conducting background research for any exciting advancements, particularly within radiology. A recent development that drew my attention, obtained from the radmagazine, was the pioneering operation on a cancer

Mary’s Hospital, where I was introduced to not only the various machines but also how the staff work with patients with a variety of conditions. I loved the fast-paced environment, actively assisting in transferring patients and portables and there was always an exciting procedure to fuel my interest. For me, the most important lesson I learnt from the staff was how to approach the patient; it is imperative to always ask for their full details before continuing with any procedures to prevent unnecessary exposure, while doing so in a positive and welcoming manner. I only had a few minutes with the patient so it was vital to create a positive first impression. I witnessed the staff’s ability to work under pressure and to think logically, for example in the case of an immobilised patient needing to have lateral and oblique scans of her broken foot. Despite the limitations, they were successful in achieving quality images for