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The Society of Radiographers has officially inaugurated its new president Katie Thompson during a ceremony at the anicent Roman Baths in Bath.
Katie, a sonographer at the Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Swindon, was formally inducted as president on Wednesday 2 July to start her year-long term in the role.
In the historic surroundings, attendees mingled and networked, before speeches were given – including from former president Tom Welton and Katie’s guest of honour, Suzanne Rastrick, the Chief Allied Health Professions Officer for England.
In her own speech, Katie thanked everyone for attending and introduced herself to the gathered radiographers, walking them through her journey into the profession and her personal interests.
“On a trip to the Science Museum in London with my college physics group we came across a competition being run by the Society of Radiographers, and I seemed to end up with all the information leaflets given out to our group being in my bag. When I got home I read through them and it sounded interesting so I decided to find out more,” she said.
“The SoR has been a big part of my working life since I started radiography initially and the reason I found out about radiography as a career. It was again for me another something, a community, that involved a sharing of learning and development. I felt a sense of belonging.”
Building on a successful career
Over the course of her 32-year career as a radiographer, she continued, Katie has been part of the SoR UK Council, has attended the Annual Delegates Conference many times and even been part of the Delegates Conference Committee.
“I had no idea where [radiography] would lead,” she added. “Certainly not into the presidency, but the support of those around you and the experience [and] knowledge that you gain on the way strengthens your belief that you can.”
Katie went on to explain how proud she is to represent the sonography workforce, to thank her parents, children, and “long-suffering” partner, and Tom Welton, previous president of the SoR, for leaving such big shoes to fill.
She concluded: “I wish to give the members visibility whatever their job role might be and in whatever area they may work in. We have always been stronger when standing together; the respect radiography strike campaign highlighted this.
“We wish as radiographers to be seen, we want to be heard, we need to feel like what we do matters. The difference we make does matter. It matters hugely to our patients and to our profession. But we need to be the biggest advocates for ourselves.”
Following speeches by Katie and other members of the SoR leadership team, including the presentation of awards, attendees had the opportunity to mingle and enjoy some dessert canapés.
Richard Evans, CEO of the SoR, added: “The inauguration of a new president is always exciting and inspiring. Members of the SoR that put themselves forward for election to UK Council come from the very heart of our profession. All members can aspire to take part in governing the society.
“Those council members that put themselves forward to join the presidential team can face a further election process but typically demonstrate truly amazing commitment to the organisation and profession. It is vital to recognise that the SoR is a member-led organisation and the Presidential Inauguration is special because we see one specific member each year taking on the role as the visible leader…the figurehead for our society.”
(Image: Katie Thompson during her inauguration speech)