Band 5 radiographer Shannon Johnson has been shortlisted for a Rising Stars Award.
Now in its sixth year, the awards recognise the outstanding achievements of female role models within a wide range of professions, and aims to showcase 1000 outstanding women by 2022.
Shannon works at The Beacon Centre, Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and qualified as a therapeutic radiographer from UWE Bristol in 2019.
She said, "I feel very honoured to have been nominated, let alone shortlisted, and am feeling very humbled to have the chance to represent therapeutic radiography and all other allied health professionals."
"I was lucky enough to have been nominated by lecturers at UWE, but I couldn’t have done it without all their help and support throughout my time there.”
Shannon was the student therapeutic radiographer of the year at UWE and promoting the profession is something she is very passionate about. It has led to her to become part of the education and outreach team within the Beacon Centre radiotherapy department, as well as a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) ambassador for the West of England.
“Being one of two STEM ambassadors within the department, my colleague Naman Julka-Anderson and I were lucky enough to gain the Inspirational STEM employer award for efforts within the department.
As well as being recognised as a work experience team going above and beyond with outreach work across Somerset, we engaged with more than 7000 students over a six month period.
“Even though I am relatively new to the profession, I feel dedicated to educating the wider public on radiotherapy . After researching the public’s perception of radiotherapy within my dissertation, I was invited to present my work at the Annual Radiotherapy Conference in January 2020 and gained very positive feedback.
"I was asked to take research from my original work to create a national study engaging with higher education institutions across the UK and enhancing the profile of radiotherapy as a profession and as a cancer treatment.”
Shannon also a member of the Champions Network for Action Radiotherapy who work with the All Party Parliamentary Group for Radiotherapy (APPGRT), raising awareness of radiotherapy and promoting best practice in the profession.
“The support and love that I have received through this nomination has been absolutely incredible. It has been truly amazing for everyone to come together at such a difficult time to help support me with this Rising Star nominations. My department, family and friends have been fantastic!” said Shannon.
The next round of judging is underway with winners to be announced on 11 May. Click to vote for Shannon.