UKRC: A student’s perspective

The UK Radiological Congress (UKRC) 2012 will be taking place on 25-27 June at Manchester Central Convention Centre.

Taking place over three days, the Congress covers all aspects of diagnostic imaging and oncology, as well as radiology informatics and service delivery.

With more than 3000 delegates, visitors and international speakers, UKRC is the largest diagnostic imaging event in the UK.

Unsurprisingly, this event is a must-attend of the radiography calendar and proves invaluable to students who choose to go. Last year, Emily Hawkins, a third year diagnostic radiography student at St Georges and Kingston, attended the Congress and wrote about her experience: “During my first year induction into the undergraduate radiography course, the SCoR presented the UKRC as one of the annual highlights of the radiography calendar. Two years into the course, a fellow student and I decided to see for ourselves.

“In the centre of Manchester, UKRC is a three-day radiology spectacular; dawn till dusk of seminars presenting the latest techniques and research, newest equipment, master classes and image interpretation. The accompanied exhibition showcased abstract posters of the most up-to-date research and stalls for manufacturers and recruitment agencies.

“It is not often you find yourself captivated early on a Monday morning, but at 8:30am a talk on military radiography had an instantaneous effect on us. Radiologists from Camp Bastion in Afghanistan talked about imaging of trauma so serious it is incomprehensible to believe it would occur in the UK. We were introduced to the concept of ‘damage control radiography’ and time critical decision making to minimise mortality. CT plays a vital role in their hospital setting – 93% of trauma patients have a scan – as it is used to define the surgical need as well as diagnose.

“Later in the day, we attended a lecture on major trauma which we would encounter in the UK. Dr Sujit Vaidya stressed the importance of quality trauma series films and advised on the most important things not to miss when looking at a chest x-ray. He then went on to shock us with cases he had come across, including a heart that had herniated out of the pericardium which looked rather similar to dextrocardia. The formula for effective trauma radiology was given as: speed, communication and review.

“On Tuesday, we continued the theme of trauma with a whirlwind tour of the body in plain film. Led through tricky things to spot, common peripheral injuries and indicative signs of trauma, we left with enriched red dot confidence. The discussion of the more subtle appendicular trauma undoubtedly reinforced to us the importance of precise positioning and appropriate exposure for accurate diagnosis.

“New research presented discussed how MRI was the gold standard with regard to occult fractures; scaphoid follow-up views were rendered unreliable by the speakers and pelvic fractures easily detectable with MRI.

“We delved deeper into MRI on Wednesday with a seminar given by radiographers working at the forefront of technology. At Alder Hey Trust in Liverpool, in addition to paediatric neuro-surgery being planned with MRI scans, it is now common practise to use intra-operative MRI to allow neuro-navigation, ensure safe removal of tumours, confirm complete resection and reduce the need for future operations.

“At the London Upright MRI Clinic, a positional aspect is being added to scans. Patients can be imaged sitting, standing, in flexion or extension and research showed that the supine position of patients can often mask conditions, especially with regard to the spinal cord and prolapsed bladder. This technology was realistically portrayed explaining its limitations of small scanning areas, meaning the spine has to be imaged in sections rather than as a whole.

“In the afternoon, a seminar about non-accidental injury (NAI) had a strong emphasis on good practice. Speakers covered this serious issue advising how to get the most diagnostic images, as well as recommending a soft exposure to give more soft tissue and muscle information than the standard radiograph. Typical injuries and indicators of NAI, particularly those which need further imaging, were covered in detail, encouraging autonomy in making these decisions.

“The stands of the exhibit house the latest imaging equipment and were more than happy to let us have a play – we nearly walked off the latest models of mobile machine which handily have 4mph speeds! Meanwhile recruitment agencies were ready to provide assistance in finding employment, while others told of exciting opportunities abroad. Posters presented research by radiographers and radiologists alike on clinically relevant issues with an aim to improve practice.

“Overall, while some seminars were aimed more at the consultant radiologist than the student radiographer, they were always interesting and a lot could be taken away from them that will be beneficial on placement and after graduation.

“There was a wide range of subject matter covered across the three days, although I have only presented my favourite sessions here. Our inspirational journey also covered HRCT, the history of radiology, a neuro film viewing, a NAI master class, non-contrast MRA and cardiac imaging to name but a few. There is undoubtedly something for everyone ,depending on your particular interest.

“The UKRC has given us food for thought and while it has opened our eyes to exciting new techniques and possible directions our careers could take, it has also given us the opportunity to reflect on our actions and observations of practice so far. I feel I have more appreciation of good practice as a result of these three days and that it is greatly affected by very small actions.

“I believe I am more aware of what it means to be an autonomous professional and what is expected of a radiographer – I believe this will make my personal transition from student to radiographer smoother.

“I am looking forward to the UKRC 2012 already and would recommend it to every radiography student, particularly those who want to come away buzzing with dissertation ideas or boost their lanyard collection. CPD boring? I think not!”

Click here for full details of UKRC 2012.