The UK Imaging and Oncology conference has now drawn to a close, following three days of education sessions and showcases of the latest in imaging technology.
Tom Welton, the SoR's president-elect, shared his highlights from day two and three of the prestigious event.
“You’re just met with a load of faces you know, but haven’t necessarily seen before,” he said. “The idea that you can’t get from one end of the room to another without a couple of conversations – I love the networking, and I love being able to catch up with people that you don’t routinely get to see. It’s a great feeling.”
'Changed my practice'
Mr Welton emphasised how great the patient sessions had been throughout the event, drawing attention to the session on palliative care, “Death and dying - breaking the silence”, that took place on Tuesday (11 June).
He said: “The session on death and dying really stuck out to me. Kerry Mills, the speaker, is an inspiration. She really changed my practice, made me think about how I come across to patients, but also how to teach students to think about death.”
He explained that Ms Mills’ session emphasised the importance of the patient voice and understanding the stress and difficulties facing patients passing through hospitals - a theme running through the course of the conference.
“The plenaries were also some of the best we’ve had,” he continued. “Seeing the inspiration of where the workforce is going to go, what we’re going to have to do differently, it’s so important.”
'You learn so much'
Mr Welton also praised the practical sessions on the stands, not only the SoR’s “Education on the Stands” sessions but those taking place throughout the exhibition halls.
“Seeing the industry partners is always interesting to me because it’s showcasing what’s coming next in technology,” he added.
Next year’s UKIO will be just as exciting, he added.
“If I was in a department where my manager was actively sending people to UKIO, I would see that as a positive place,” he said. “If your department’s not doing that, then as an individual get it in your diary! You learn so much and you get such a great understanding of the radiography world.”
(Image: Education on the stands via Eva Slusarek)