Gary Denham | Radiographer 
Why did you go choose Radiography?
I started radiography relatively late, I started uni when I was 32. I chose radiography because I wanted to work with cutting edge technology and work in health. It was the perfect choice for me.
Why do you enjoy your profession?
I enjoy radiography because of the challenges it presents. You must ensure the patient is at the centre of everything you do and at the same time produce high quality diagnostic images that will enable clinicians to determine outcomes and treatment. You have to be able to alter your technique to overcome difficulties that arise from issues like pain, trauma, infection control risks and altered mental state to mention just a few. The ability to communicate effectively is the key to success in our role. The ability to build rapport in a short time ensures the patient will feel as though they are in safe hands.
What inspires you?
The patients are what inspires me to do this job. Working in healthcare has taught me that someone is ALWAYS worse of. We often meet people on the worst days of their lives and how we interact with that patient could have a profound impact on their memory of the event. To see how patients overcome, or succumb, to injury and illness never ceases to amaze me. To see patients face the adversity that only health issues can present is what inspires me to keep doing the job I’m doing.
What could a day in your job involve?
I work in a small rural hospital in an area with one of the highest median aged populations in the country. Due to our aged population a lot of our daily workload involves a lot of stroke imaging and fractures of the hip, neck of humerus and distal radius. During the winter months we see many cases of pneumonia. Another regular occurrence of working in a rural setting are injuries involving horses and livestock. The nature of work has changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have been imaging many more ‘handyman at home’ injuries like “circular saw vs finger” and no weekend sporting injuries. Like all frontline health workers during this pandemic infection control is paramount, especially with our area’s vulnerable aged population.
Siena Maurici | Graduate Radiographer
I chose to become a radiographer for various reasons. First and foremost, I always wanted to help others. I knew that a career in radiography would provide me with the opportunity to positively contribute to patients’ experiences within the healthcare system, an element that (I believe) makes for long-term job satisfaction.
Working overseas has always been a dream of mine so pursuing a career where my qualifications and skills would be recognised internationally was a no-brainer. The opportunities in medical imaging are endless with many specialist areas to choose from.
Why do you enjoy your profession? / What inspires you?
Varied and challenging, radiography is never just black or white. Every day presents new challenges in the form of difficult patient presentations or unique cases, each requiring the effective use of problem-solving skills to provide an individualised service and attain imaging of diagnostic quality.
I enjoy that the role of a radiographer is both technical and heavily reliant on soft skills, all of which are important in providing patient-centric services.
Driven by the latest research and technological advancements, the profession is always evolving and engagement in continued professional development is an absolute must. I thoroughly enjoy this component of the job, gaining inspiration to refine my own professional practice and optimise the care I provide to patients as a result.
My peers. I am a strong believer in that you are who you associate with so feel fortunate to be surrounded by individuals fostering a positive, growth culture in both a personal and professional capacity.
Meeting patients from all walks of life.
What could a day doing your job involve?
As a graduate radiographer, I predominantly perform and evaluate general, dental and bone densitometry examinations. I rotate across multiples sites, providing imaging services to a range of patient presentations including paediatrics.
My training in both CT and Mammography is ongoing. I perform unenhanced CT examinations and assist senior radiographers with contrast-enhanced CT examinations including performing IV cannulation. In addition, I collaborate with radiologists to assist with interventional procedures under CT guidance including foreign body removals, and fluoroscopic procedures including barium swallows.
I perform and evaluate mammograms (both standard and supplementary views) and work closely with the breast radiologists at the Australian Breast Centre.
Siena is a NSW member of ASMIRT.
