Charlene Wallace

What do you do in your current role/area of expertise?

I am a Senior Lecturer in Diagnostic Radiography at the University of Brighton. I mainly teach on the BSc (Hons), apprenticeship and MSc (pre-registration) diagnostic radiography courses. I also contribute to teaching on other multidisciplinary courses within the School of Education, Sport and Health Sciences at the University. 

My primary areas of teaching are anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology, person centred care and ultrasound. I have research interests in patient and student experience, dementia care and women’s health.

I am passionate about radiography, learning and teaching, which has been vital in the teams work to create, develop and deliver engaging, evidence-based teaching material. The amount of work involved with the curriculum design has been huge, but involvement from our practice partners, service users and learner stakeholders has been integral in the process. 

Additionally, I have the role of admissions tutor for the diagnostic radiography courses. I have also worked collaboratively with practice partners, service users and learners in the admission process to ensure that their perspectives are captured during our applicant review. I love to meet potential students and hear about their experiences and interests which has sparked an interest in diagnostic radiography.

What steps did you take to get to this role?

I qualified as a diagnostic radiographer from the University of Portsmouth in 2010. With a particular interest in Ultrasound, two years later I went back to university and completed my Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Ultrasound at Kings College London. I then worked for several years as a sonographer in the Southeast of England, continuing to expand my skills and knowledge by working in fetal medicine and undertaking some musculoskeletal ultrasound training.

In clinical practice, I have always enjoyed working with students and supporting their learning, and this was recognised as I was given the role of a student mentor. I increasingly realised that I had a passion for teaching and so in 2021 when there was the opportunity to lead a brand-new radiography course at Brighton, I applied for the opportunity.

I was lucky enough to be successful and in my new role, I led the team through the development and validation of three new radiography courses- a MSc (pre-registration), a BSc (Hons) and an apprenticeship course. During this time, I also completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice… things were very busy! One of the challenges of the validation process was gaining placement capacity. To build collaborative relationships with our practice partners, I visited our placement sites to ensure that they were involved with curriculum design and the validation process. I also met with academics from our neighbouring Higher Education Institutions so that we could collectively overcome challenges and share good practice.

Whilst there were many transferable skills I could bring from practice into academia, I found the Academic Practice course incredibly helpful as it informed me on key teaching methods that I have since adopted. In my role I am also able to fulfil my passion for my own learning and research and I am now completing my MSc Health Dissertation.

What support did you have along the way or would have been helpful to have had?

Throughout my career I have had supportive colleagues and managers who have encouraged me to undertake additional training and professional development. Without the support of these key people in my career and life, I wouldn’t have been able to develop my career as I have.

The move into academia was a steep learning curve, having to lead the validation process of three start up radiography courses was not an easy task. However, colleagues within the University have been incredibly supportive.  My Subject Lead, Susanne, is a pillar of support, and has inspired me by leading through kindness and is always available to guide and support me. The University also runs many informative sessions from course leadership workshops to research and knowledge exchange sessions. Learning is supported and encouraged which I love.

Externally to the University, Prof. Ruth Strudwick has been a fantastic radiography mentor to me for the past few years. Ruth supported me through the validation process and now as a fellow academic. Despite Ruth’s extensive experience, no question is too small and there is always time to meet when required.

I feel very lucky to have such inspirational women supporting me in my career.

What is the most rewarding thing about your role?

The students. They are the reason that I strive for engaging learning, teaching and innovation. In 2025 our first ever cohort of students will be graduating, and I will be very proud. They are at the beginning of their incredible careers in diagnostic radiography, and I look forward to staying in touch and hearing about all the amazing things that they go on to do.

I have a box of thank you letters and cards given to me by students. I could be having the worst day, but reading their kind words always lifts me. I truly love my job.

What advice can you give to others who might want to work towards this role or follow a similar pathway?

If you love working with students, get involved with the teaching of students in practice. Attend Practice Educator training if it is available through your local Higher Education Institute (HEI). Look for opportunities at your local HEI for guest lecturing opportunities.