BIR promotes opportunities for young professionals in imaging

Submitted by Dr Nick Screaton, BIR president.

Having practised radiology for 30 years, I have witnessed significant changes in our field, from evolving workflows to groundbreaking advancements that have made imaging an increasingly attractive career choice for young professionals. Our Young Professionals and Trainees Special Interest Group (YPAT SIG) is a dynamic community of talented individuals who share our vision. Hear from two of our SIG members as they share their experiences of being involved with the BIR.

At the BIR we recognise the critical role research and education plays in improving health and patient care. Our multidisciplinary approach allows us to work with a range of healthcare professionals at all stages of their career. It is a pleasure to work with such talented individuals who share our passion and assist us with advancing these efforts. If you are interested in getting involved with the work of the BIR, get in touch with us via our website.

Jianan Yuan, ST5 clinical radiology in the north-east of England

“I graduated from Newcastle University in 2016 and completed my foundation training within the same region. I spent a year in New Zealand and subsequently completed a teaching fellow job before starting my clinical radiology training. I chose clinical radiology because I love the problem solving and diagnostic aspects of medicine; it also plays a pivotal role in a patient’s hospital journey. The speciality is dynamic, ever evolving and at the forefront of technological innovations. I am continually excited to see what the future brings.

“I first became involved with the BIR in 2019 when I attended Top Tips for Radiology Applicants, which was invaluable in supporting my application to the radiology training programme. In 2021, I joined the YPAT SIG, where I have the privilege of serving as the current chair. This role has given me the opportunity to develop my leadership skills further, learning from organising national events and even chairing the trainee stream at the BIR Annual Congress 2024.

“Additionally, I am a member of the advisory panel for the development of BIR’s online learning library. Looking ahead, I am committed to continuing my work with the BIR, supporting the growth and promotion of its educational initiatives.”

Daniel McGowan medical physicist at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

“I chose to be a medical physicist as I wanted to use my undergraduate physics degree to help people. I trained and worked at Oxford hospitals before undertaking a doctoral fellowship funded by the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR). Since then, I have continued working across the hospital and university with funding from industry, charity and NIHR supporting this – I really enjoy the mix of opportunities this brings. I am currently head of education and research in the department of medical physics and clinical engineering at the trust, which supports all levels of trainees within the department, from practitioner apprentices and scientists to professional doctorate as well as research activity. I have a clinical academic group within the department of oncology, University of Oxford, and am also course director for our MSc in Medical Physics with Radiobiology. One of the key challenges for the future is the workforce shortage and how can we train people more efficiently. Another area is AI and how it will impact all areas of our work. Several of my doctoral students are looking at applications of AI to health.

“In terms of the BIR, I was one of the founding members of the trainee (now YPAT) committee and served as secretary for several years. I have been on various committees at the BIR, I joined the Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging SIG in 2013 and have served as chair since 2021. I have enjoyed organising events with the BIR and it is great to be part of a multidisciplinary group, which for me is one of its key benefits, along with all the friendly staff that help with the smooth running of everything. Look out for details of our latest event ‘AI in NM and PET’ on November 13 in Oxford.”

Picture: Dr Nick Screaton, Jianan Yuan and Daniel McGowan.

Read this report on page 16 of the April 2025 issue of RAD Magazine.