Hello, my name is Epiphania Muranda; I am an advanced practice interventional radiographer and lead interventional radiographer.
I am deeply passionate about delivering compassionate, high-quality imaging care and leading with integrity, empathy and excellence. In my role, I combine advanced clinical expertise with a strong commitment to patient safety, education and service improvement.
What inspires me most is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact both in the lives of my patients and within the multidisciplinary teams I work alongside. I strive to foster an environment where every patient feels valued and every colleague feels empowered to contribute their unique strengths.
Radiography, to me, is not just about images; it’s about people, purpose, and progress. Every day, I am reminded that healthcare leadership is about serving others, inspiring growth, and creating spaces where everyone can thrive.
What first inspired you to join the radiography profession?
My journey into radiography was inspired by a deeply personal childhood experience that has stayed with me for a lifetime. In 1984, when my mother broke her leg, I accompanied her to the hospital. I was only 10 years old, yet that day shaped the direction of my future in ways I could never have imagined.
I remember watching in awe as the radiographers, whom we affectionately referred to as the “X-ray people” back then at home, gently positioned her leg, explained what they were doing with kindness and empathy, and then disappeared behind the screen to capture the images. Moments later, they returned with the fascinating black-and-white films that revealed the hidden fracture.
To my young mind, it was nothing short of magic. I was captivated not only by the technology but by the calm professionalism, compassion, and confidence of the radiographers. I remember asking them questions, curious to understand how invisible rays could reveal what the naked eye could not see.
That moment planted a seed of curiosity and admiration that never left me. As I grew older, that early fascination evolved into a deeper sense of purpose. I found myself drawn to science, to the human body, and to the idea of helping others through knowledge and care.
Nearly 22 years later, that childhood spark became a reality when I proudly graduated as a radiographer at the University of Salford, a dream fulfilled through perseverance, dedication, and faith. Today, radiography for me is more than a profession; it is a calling. It represents compassion in action, combining science and humanity in a way that directly transforms lives.
Every image I take tells a story; it brings clarity where there was uncertainty, hope where there was fear, and comfort where there was pain. This journey reminds me every day why I chose this path. Radiography has allowed me to touch lives, witness healing, and contribute to the advancement of patient care. It is both an honour and a responsibility that I hold with immense pride and gratitude.
Has your cultural identity shaped your journey or experiences in radiography?
My cultural identity as an African has profoundly influenced my journey and experience within the radiography profession. Growing up in a culture deeply rooted in compassion, resilience, and collective responsibility, I learned from an early age that true strength lies in service to others.
In my community, caring for one another was not just an expectation; it was a way of life. These values have become the cornerstone of my professional ethos and continue to shape the way I approach patient care, teamwork, and leadership.
Being African has instilled in me a deep sense of adaptability and perseverance. I have learned to flourish in both challenging and diverse environments, drawing from a heritage that values unity, humility, and respect for all. These principles have guided me in my interactions with patients and colleagues alike, enabling me to see the person beyond the condition and to treat every individual with dignity and understanding.
My background allows me to bring warmth, empathy, and cultural awareness into the clinical setting, qualities that help bridge gaps and build trust across differences. My cultural roots have also given me a heightened sensitivity to issues of inequality and access in healthcare.
I have witnessed how social, economic, and cultural barriers can affect people’s health experiences, and this awareness fuels my passion for advocacy. It has inspired me to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion within the radiography profession, to mentor others from underrepresented backgrounds, and to help create an environment where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered.
In many ways, my African identity is my compass. It reminds me of where I come from, grounds me in humility, and propels me toward excellence with a sense of purpose and pride. It has shaped not only how I work, but also why I work to bring compassion, representation, and humanity into every space I serve.
Ultimately, being African is not a separate part of my professional identity – it is the foundation upon which it stands. It has made me a radiographer who leads with heart, learns with openness and serves with integrity.
What achievement or moment in your career are you most proud of?
My journey in radiography has been one of determination, resilience, and purposeful growth. Every milestone has carried meaning far beyond the title or recognition. It has been a testament to faith, hard work, and the power of believing in one’s dreams.
One of the most defining and transformative moments in my career was the opportunity to attend university and graduate as a radiographer. That achievement was not only the fulfilment of a lifelong dream but also a symbol of triumph over challenges, a reminder that perseverance and purpose can turn childhood aspirations into reality.
It was the beginning of a journey that continues to evolve with passion and purpose. Being selected as a student to represent the UK at the radiology conference in Durban, South Africa, stands out as another proud moment. Standing on that international stage reminded me that dreams have no borders.
It was empowering to be part of a global conversation, sharing insights and learning from professionals across the world, proof that dedication and courage can carry you far beyond your beginnings.
Winning the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Award and receiving multiple nominations reaffirmed my commitment to championing fairness, representation, and belonging within the radiography profession. These recognitions are not simply personal honours; they represent the collective effort to build a healthcare culture where everyone, regardless of background, is understood, appreciated, and respected.
Progressing into senior leadership as an interventional radiographer lead and advanced practice interventional radiographer has been both humbling and inspiring. These roles have allowed me to influence practice, mentor others, lead by example and advocate for excellence and inclusion.
They have given me the privilege to shape standards of care and inspire the next generation to reach higher and dream bolder. Speaking at the TUC and SoR's Annual Delegates conferences has been another highlight, a platform to use my voice for change, to inspire colleagues, and to remind others that leadership is not about position but purpose.
Through every experience, I have learned that true success lies in uplifting others and using your platform to open doors for those who come after you. Through it all, I am reminded that my story is not one of mere survival; it is one of thriving, breaking barriers, and proving that passion, perseverance, and purpose can turn the impossible into reality.
My journey continues to be a testament that when you walk in purpose, you don’t chase opportunities, they align with you.
What do you love most about being a radiographer?
I absolutely love my career as a radiographer. Radiography is not just a profession to me, but my true calling. Every day, I have the privilege of combining science, technology, and compassion to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
What I love most about being a radiographer is the ability to care for each patient as an individual with honesty, empathy, and dignity. No two patients are the same, and every encounter offers a new opportunity to bring reassurance, comfort, and hope. Whether it’s through a gentle smile, a kind explanation, or the simple act of listening, I find immense fulfilment in helping patients feel safe, respected and understood.
Seeing their relief when they realise they are in capable and caring hands is one of the most rewarding parts of my role. Patient safety, confidentiality, and trust are the foundations of my practice. I treat every person as I would want my own family to be treated. Radiography has also given me the platform to inspire others.
As a career ambassador, I take great pride in sharing my journey and speaking passionately about the profession with candid honesty and pride. It fills me with joy to know that my story and enthusiasm have inspired many others to pursue radiography as a career.
Watching new radiographers step into the profession, confident and motivated, reminds me that our influence extends far beyond the imaging room; it shapes the future of healthcare. Equally, I cherish the spirit of teamwork within the radiography community.
Working alongside colleagues who share the same dedication and purpose is truly uplifting. I firmly believe that every member of the team, regardless of their role or background, brings something unique and vital, just as every part of the body has a purpose; every radiographer contributes meaningfully to the whole.
To me, radiography represents the perfect balance of knowledge, skill, and humanity. It allows me to combine technical precision with heartfelt care, to see beyond the image and connect with the person.
It is a profession that constantly evolves, challenges, and rewards in equal measure. Radiography is more than my career; it is my passion, my purpose, and my platform to serve, inspire, and bring light where it is most needed.
By Epiphania Muranda
(Image: Epiphania Muranda)