Celebrating International Women’s Day – Sue Wilson
To mark International Women’s Day on March 8, RAD Magazine asked just a few of the women who are having an impact in the medical imaging industry to give an insight into their working lives and what led them to a career in the imaging sector.
Reflecting on my career, which began in the early 1990s as a trainee technician in nuclear medicine in the north-east of England, I am continually inspired by the evolution of the field – from the advent of new diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to the increasing representation of women in senior scientific and management roles within medical physics and the NHS as a whole.
Throughout my NHS career, I actively participated in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) initiatives as a STEM ambassador and facilitated IPEM technologist training. These efforts were my way of paying forward the invaluable support and mentorship I received from colleagues throughout my career.
With over 25 years of experience in nuclear medicine across various NHS trusts, I culminated my public healthcare career as the head healthcare science p practitioner and nuclear medicine manager at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust.
In 2018 I transitioned to the commercial sector as a sales and applications specialist with Mediso UK (formerly Bartec). This career shift allowed me to utilise my professional and scientific expertise to support customers and provide advice, tailoring training and product offerings to their specific needs. It also enabled me to assist colleagues in the commercial sector with nuclear medicine practice and radiation protection training.
After several years, I was promoted to sales director, recognising my contributions to managing ISO accreditation and health and safety compliance, areas of particular interest and focus for me.
For the past year, I have proudly served as sales director at Bright Technologies (BriTec), succeeding Stephen Anderson. Joining this established manufacturer of shielding products and supplier of radiation protection equipment has been a great experience. I look forward to collaborating with our customers and the BriTec team in the years ahead. At BriTec, I am privileged to work with a knowledgeable team of administrative staff, designers and engineers, designing and manufacturing innovative products that safeguard individuals working with ionising radiation. Alongside Nicola Rodgers, our production director, we uphold a company ethos of delivering quality radiation protection solutions while ensuring the best value for our customers. We are dedicated to developing the future workforce and are proud to have several engineering apprentices within our organisation, including Izzy, our first female apprentice engineer.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is collaborating with customers to transform their ideas into practical engineering designs and manufacturing solutions, creating tangible products that address real-world challenges. While I no longer work directly in the healthcare sector, my scientific and healthcare background allows me to bridge the gap between innovation and clinical practice, supporting healthcare providers in delivering safe and effective services.
Although transitioning to the commercial sector was outside my comfort zone, I feel that I have found a balance between science and business. I maintain a Continuing Professional Development record and regularly engage in learning opportunities by attending local and national training events. Engaging with peers in the healthcare profession also enables me to stay informed about current and emerging scientific advancements.
Sue Wilson, sales director, Bright Technologies Limited.
Read this report on page 11 of the February 2025 issue of RAD Magazine.
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