James Thatcher, senior reporting radiographer
I first took an interest in the radiography profession when I was in the Sixth Form at secondary school and considering career options. I had wanted to follow a career in medicine but after doing a week's work experience I learnt about the sheer variety of roles within radiology.
I studied for my degree at St George’s, University of London, and qualified in 2011. A few months after qualifying I was offered a permanent position at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and I have worked there ever since. I have worked in plain X-ray, theatres and CT, but my area of particular interest is plain X-ray. In 2016 I was accepted onto a plain X-ray reporting course (appendicular and axial). The combination of clinical and reporting duties has increased my appreciation for the radiography profession. I now have greater job satisfaction as I am able to review my images critically, ensuring my work is of a high standard. Radiologist colleagues have complimented my reporting as being thorough and informative, and I am pleased to be playing such an important role in the patient care pathway.
I am now in the process of furthering my academic studies, and will soon begin an adult chest X-ray reporting course.