If you happen to have an accident and go to the hospital, chances are that you will get to see a Diagnostic Radiographer at work. They are the ones that produce images to diagnose an injury or disease.

Apart from the conventional X-ray equipment for the usual imaging, radiographers also use high-ended computerised medical radiation equipment with sophisticated software to assist medical specialists to diagnose, evaluate and treat patients.

In many large institutions in NHG, radiographers may specialise in a particular imaging modality, such as trauma radiology, paediatric radiology, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or even cardiovascular-interventional radiology.

A fresh graduate will need to undergo internship rotation to various departments to gain adequate clinical exposure, for example, in the in-patient & out-patient settings and emergency departments. Many will choose to specialise in one area, such as CT, MRI or ultrasonography, or to assume managerial role in an administrative position.

It takes about 5 years to become a senior radiographer, following which they will have a chance to be principal and senior principal radiographers. There are opportunities for advancement to administrative and supervisory positions. With additional education and experience, you may qualify as quality management technologists, instructors, or researchers. In private sector, some also advance to sales or service positions in companies that manufacture x-ray equipment.
As a healthcare professional, prospective radiographers must have a strong sense of responsibility and must have sympathy and compassion for fellow human beings. They must also be able to act calmly, systemically and effectively in times of emergency. They must be able to work independently within a medical team.

Majority of all radiographers are employed in hospitals and polyclinics. Most of us work about 42-hour weeks and may have on-call hours in the evenings, nights or on weekends. But we still end up looking fresh everyday.

The beginning…

My journey in Radiography began in 1996 when I left for London South Bank University to pursue a BSc in Radiography on a Public Service Commission scholarship. The invaluable overseas experience transformed and changed my whole perspective towards life and people. From a passive person, I was transformed to be one who is assertive, confident and passionate as time went by.

I've made numerous friends and colleagues from different parts of the world throughout the time I was in London, and also forged strong ties with some. Overseas education was never meant to be just hard work, as I went on a number of trips as well.

Radiography…

Radiography is the art and science of medical imaging. This was a thought that did not occur to me when I first embarked on this journey. Many of my peers had no idea what a radiographer does, and conjectured that they are the ones who deal with radios, or satellites, or like a deejay. Those who made calculated guesses thought my profession would be related to some form of radio waves. However, Radiography proved to be more than meets the eye.

One question that pops up at any Radiography recruitment or student training scenario would always be, "Why did you choose Radiography?" I would have no doubt in say that I chose it above all other allied health professions, primarily because I enjoyed the challenges posed by the profession, in that I have to produce a image of diagnostic quality, maintain good patient rapport to gain his / her confidence, and at the same time able to manage the workload and processes - all within a short span of time. The moment when a patient sees me as one who merely goes behind the screen to 'push the button' would have evidenced my success in managing all these aforementioned factors. Of course, there were times of exhaustion and frustration, however all it took was a sincere appreciation from a patient that would make it "worth it all".

Radiography for me…

Radiography was also not a profession that has limited advancement opportunities as popularly touted by many. Personally, I have been blessed with good mentors and superiors, and had many opportunities since I first started work 4 years ago. I was involved in student training, radiographers' continuing professional development (CPD) programmes, radiography promotion talks and presentations throughout the short career that I have. I have also presented and attended radiography and radiology conferences locally and overseas and published a paper in a radiology magazine. I've also been actively involved in the Singapore Society of Radiographers, our professional body that champions Radiographer continuing education and awareness among the general public.

I completed the MSc in Health Management last year, and have since been given opportunities to run projects as well as manage a section within the department. Though juggling both clinical and administrative duties have been very challenging, it does give me a great sense of satisfaction and achievement.

In short, Radiography has helped me come 'out of the shell' to be proactive and assertive, and yet remain tactful and compassionate. Although I still have has a lot more ground to cover in this journey, I have never looked back with regret since I started.

So how about you?

Do you feel a similar calling to enrich the lives of others and be challenged daily? Do you think you can make an impact? Have you got energy to be expended? If so, do not deny yourself the chance to realise your potential and be at the forefront to open up new frontiers in this dynamic profession.

Charting My Future