As image acquisition has become faster, radiographers have time to extend their roles and improve quality

My career in diagnostic radiography started in the 1990s when I completed my training at Sheffield Hallam University. I was one of the first cohorts of degree-educated radiographers, with most colleagues I worked with in those days having completed the Diploma of the College of Radiographers – or DCR as it was often shortened to. Back then we were using x-ray film to capture images, darkrooms and daylight processors to process them and viewing boxes to look at our images.

Over the years I have seen many changes, from x-ray film to digital radiography systems linked to PACS. From single-slice CT to multislice CT with the capability to acquire 256 or 512 slices per rotation, as well as dual-energy CT. MRI units are now commonplace, and we see 3.0T and 7.0T systems, as well as open bore magnets increasingly used to support people with claustrophobia to complete their examination. Interventional procedures have become routine, improving patient care and outcomes for people with cardiovascular conditions, acquired brain injuries and injuries from major trauma.

Alongside this, the role of the radiographer has changed significantly too. As technology has made image acquisition faster and easier, we have been able to use our time to provide more patient care, extend our roles and improve quality standards. And now, of course, we see the increasing role that AI, big data, robotics and genomics have within imaging, and their potential to change our roles even further. It is exciting to imagine where we might be, and what we might be doing, in another 30 years.

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