I present a selection of case studies from those I have encountered over the years to illustrate the types of problems that need to be dealt with in a timely manner , and with sensitivity .
• Fluoroscopic “ oncology ” Several decades ago we had an enthusiastic radiologist who regularly generated significant erythema ( reddening of the skin ) during his diagnostic screening sessions . Fortunately , technology and education encouraged him to consider both his dose rates and screening times !
• What rectal dose ? A junior colleague in the Nuclear Medicine department was required to monitor rectal dose during a radioactive seed implant procedure in the cervix . Bringing a high dose rate observation to the oncologist he was politely told to “ turn down the sensitivity until the measurement is acceptable ”. Needless to say , some words with the oncologist were required .
• Free magic money Our managers are always looking for extra cash . This is understandable given historical and present funding of the NHS . Our hospital was offered £ 5,000 a year to agree to the placement of a mobile phone mast on a tower next to a large and busy maternity department . Discussion with the National Radiological Protection Board ( NRPB as it was then ) and my own radiofrequency exposure calculations at ward level indicated that , on contemporary guidelines , there was not expected to be an overexposure issue . However , I pointed out to my hospital manager that one foetal abnormality on the unit would swiftly absorb any financial gain and cause a lot of bother . Nowadays , of course , no one worries about potential foetal exposure from mobile phones , which are ubiquitous throughout our wards !
• With hindsight The radiology department undertaking early MRI scans at another hospital in Wales rang to ask if I could talk to one of their patients over the phone . The patient was put on the line and was obviously a little distressed . She explained she ' d recently had an MRI scan , and subsequently found she was pregnant . In those days , first trimester scanning was not encouraged , so I had to think on my feet . I promised to get back to her within 48 hours with some guidance .
On this and many other occasions I was grateful I was a member of SRP . The Society ' s compact organisation with its topic groups and mentors provides invaluable access to a large number of experts who I have always found ready to rapidly assist in these and other situations .
My recommendations to younger members are to firmly embrace the available opportunities within the Society , volunteer for topic groups and committees , and acquire access to the wider expert network that is so readily available .
Do not be daunted by asking your peers what may seem a silly question ; you may be surprised how happy they will be to help .
Bill Davies Retired Consultant Medical Physicist
Bill pictured in 2021 in his home town of Swansea with two MSc students from India who received study bursaries from SRP for the oneyear MSc in Medical Physics at the University of Swansea – a course on which Bill used to lecture .
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