Richard Thorne is a Senior Lecturer in Therapeutic Radiography here at City, University of London. Before becoming a lecturer, Richard worked as a Senior Radiographer within the Radiotherapy Department at St Bartholomew’s Hospital NHS Trust.
Discovering Therapeutic Radiography
I have always been interested in science, particularly physics and biology. My sister was studying Nursing, so I became aware of other professions in health through her and in doing so found out about Radiotherapy.
Therapeutic Radiography interested me because it combined science with a requirement for excellent interpersonal skills, which was important to me as I wanted a career that would have a direct impact on people in need. I knew that as a Therapeutic Radiographer my work would be very satisfying as it directly benefits people with cancer.
Becoming a Therapeutic Radiographer
I studied Radiotherapy at a School of Radiography in North London. The programme combined academic study with placements in hospitals, rather like the courses we have today. I particularly liked the planning aspects of the Radiotherapy profession; how to localise where in the patient to treat with radiation and how to spare sensitive body tissues.
I worked as full-time Radiographer in the Radiotherapy Department of St Batholomew’s Hospital, first as a Junior and then as a Senior Therapeutic Radiographer. I worked in all areas of the department, from pre-treatment to treatment delivery, and used a wide range of equipment from low energy machines delivering skin treatments to high energy megavoltage linear accelerators treating deep seated cancers within the body.
During this time we would have students attend placement in the department, and I came to realise that I really enjoyed supporting student learning. It was from this that I went on to work as a hospital based Clinical Tutor, which then led to me becoming a Lecturer at City, University of London.
Lecturing at City
I am lucky to work with an excellent team of academics who are committed to making students’ learning experience the best it can be.
My specialisms are; designing learning systems that support the best learning experience for students, and also, radiotherapy dosimetry. Our team were recently awarded joint funding with another university with the aim of improving the radiotherapy student learning experience during clinical placement, which has been wonderful to be involved in and which I have found extremely rewarding.
Radiation Dosimetry is the most rewarding topic for me to teach. The subject is unique and as such students have a steep learning curve. Very few students have studied the concepts involved; radiation physics and dosimetry, which presents a challenge that I love! Seeing the realisation in students when they piece the subject together and can fully comprehend the topic is particularly pleasing.
The Student Experience
Whilst studying at university can be challenging, students will receive high levels of support from the team at City. They will go on to experience a great sense of satisfaction in studying and going on to become qualified Therapeutic Radiographers.
The reward of delivering radiotherapy treatments to people with cancer, giving them support at a difficult time in their lives and maximising their chance of a better life, despite the challenges that cancer presents, offers a highly rewarding career.
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