Victoria Hughes

What is your current role?

I’m a Diagnostic Radiography Lecturer at the University of Liverpool’s School of Health Sciences. I teach primarily on the BSc (Hons) and MSc (pre-registration) diagnostic radiography programmes at the university. However, I also contribute to teaching on a range of other multiprofessional programmes of study within the school. My primary areas of subject expertise are anatomy and pathophysiology, clinical skills teaching and cross-sectional imaging, and I have research interests in the areas of radiation dose optimisation, and both patient and student experience.

In addition, I am currently the practice placement tutor for both the BSc (Hons) and MSc (pre-registration) programmes, which involves coordinating student placements across the Cheshire and Merseyside region, liaising closely with clinical colleagues to manage the clinical placement experience of our students.

What steps did you take to reach this point?

I studied diagnostic radiography at Bangor University from 1993 to 1996. Post-qualification I worked for many years as a clinical radiographer in NHS trusts within the North West region of England, specialising in oncology (cancer) imaging and further into cross-sectional imaging (computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scanning).

Having a particular interest in computed tomography (CT), I gained an MSc in diagnostic radiography in 2000, with a dissertation on the subject of radiation dosimetry and staff education in CT scanning. As I progressed into more senior radiographer roles, I became responsible for staff training and education and trained as a learning representative for the Society of Radiographers (SoR), supporting both diagnostic and therapeutic radiographers in my workplace with continuing professional development (CPD), and supporting students in practice.

As time progressed, I also began to undertake formal training in teaching and assessing, including an NVQ
award in assessing for health care assistants in 2003 and eventually a postgraduate certificate in teaching and learning in 2011, gaining fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (now Advance HE).

Following this, I branched away from radiography to undertake a secondment as a trust practice education
facilitator, managing placements for multiprofessional healthcare students across the trust. I also began working as an honorary lecturer, teaching on trust training programmes for health professionals new to oncology, including teaching communication skills in cancer care.

Following my secondment and returning to radiography, I unexpectedly moved into management roles for several years – first as a superintendent radiographer, then principal radiographer, followed by a senior management role as lead allied health professional for diagnostics (a role encompassing radiology, pathology and cardiorespiratory services). During this time, I undertook an additional postgraduate certificate in healthcare leadership.

These roles provided valuable experience in operational and financial management, clinical governance, strategic planning, multiprofessional leadership and, importantly, pastoral care and support of staff. My work in education and management resulted in a career award of which I am very proud – North West Radiographer of the Year 2015 – having been nominated by my department colleagues. Eventually, my love of teaching drew me to the university, where I have worked since 2018.

What support has been helpful?

I have always been fortunate in having significant support from my NHS employers and colleagues to pursue different avenues and undertake additional training for each of my roles. The Society and College of Radiographers (SCoR) has also been a great source of support, providing training and advice with my former role as union learning representative, and invaluable access to a network of colleagues regionally and nationally. I continue to work closely with SCoR in voluntary external roles, including as education rep on the
North West Committee and as a member of the SCoR Diagnostic Imaging Advisory Group.

Undertaking and publishing research is now integral to radiography education and essential to the development
of the profession. While I was involved in research from an early point in my career, through undertaking my MSc, additional support in developing and disseminating my work would have certainly helped me – this is much more widely available now through professional and regional research networks.

What do you find most rewarding?

Seeing the students’ progress, from first-year entrants to the programme through to fully fledged diagnostic radiographers, is incredibly rewarding. I hope that my many years of experience in a variety of clinical roles contributes to not only students’ learning but also their personal development to enable successful completion of their training. Graduation day is very special!

Do you have any advice for others?

As a radiographer there are many opportunities to become involved in education within your clinical department, from supervising students to facilitating lunchtime CPD lectures and journal clubs. Try approaching
your trust education department or local university about undertaking guest lecturing or undertaking some formal educator training.

It is important to have had research experience, so take opportunities to join a local research group and develop your skills – there is a lot of support available from SCoR and the Council for Allied Health Professions Research (CAHPR) for early-career researchers.

Finally, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone to try a secondment or role in a different career direction – everything adds to your experience.