18 FEATURE SYNERGY NEWS FEBRUARY 2014 www.sor.org Meet the doctors


A PhD is considered by many to be a brilliant research project culminating in a great work. However, The Unwritten Rules of PhD Research describes it as ‘less major discovery of new lands, more painstakingly detailed investigation of familiar ones.’ Realistically, a PhD is a demonstration of research competence and professionalism, rather than greatness. And it is as much about comprehending others’ work as doing your own. “There is a vital link between research and clinical practice,” says SoR professional officer Dr Rachel


Harris. “In radiography, it is about understanding and being involved in both using and determining what is best practice so that the highest quality service can be delivered. Radiographers need to gather accurate information or evidence to support their professional practice, with the ultimate goal of improving the patient experience.” More than 100 radiographers hold doctorates, but


what really drives people to embark on the journey to a PhD and how does it feel when you get there?


Dr Susan Hopkins, lecturer/research fellow, University of Exeter


Susan qualified at Exeter as a mature student and went straight on to study a PhD. She received a CoRIPS (CoR Industry Partnership Scheme) award for £9250 to help towards her study which was an investigation into Disuse Osteopenia and the short- and long- term effects of immobilisation following leg fracture or total knee replacement in a postmenopausal population. “I didn’t have any expectations for grant funding but it was a


straightforward application process that was dealt with very quickly,” she says. “The award helped enormously; in fact I’m not sure I would have achieved my project aims without it. This extra funding enabled me to pay participants’ travel expenses, which was vital to recruitment as Exeter has a rural catchment area and some people had to travel large distances to attend data collection sessions. It also enabled me to buy key equipment such as a wheelchair to transport patients who had mobility problems following their fracture or surgery.”


Susan said the involvement of the SoR was another unexpected


benefit. “As a CoRIPS award recipient, I received tremendous support from Rachel Harris and the professional support team. I informed them whenever there was a publication in the pipeline and they were hugely encouraging and congratulatory. This support made such a difference because you can feel slightly detached from the world of clinical radiography when you are doing a research project and the connection with the SoR, and the medical imaging team at the university, made me feel I was doing something worthwhile for the profession.” Sue graduated last September and says that she found research to be a thoroughly enjoyable and fulfilling experience. “It was wonderful to focus on something that was very much under my control and I gained so much confidence as a result of achieving my goals.”


Dr Heidi Probst, reader in radiotherapy, Sheffield Hallam University


Heidi was working as a superintendent radiographer at Leeds Cancer Centre (Cookridge Hospital) when she began her PhD studies on radiotherapy protocols for breast carcinoma.


“I was finding it difficult to balance full time clinical


practice with my studies so I applied for a Department of Health research training fellowship” she explains. The funding allowed Heidi to continue her PhD on a full time basis, whilst working one day a week in her department to maintain her clinical skills. However, in 2001, an opportunity arose at Sheffield Hallam University and Heidi decided to apply. Thirteen years on, she is a reader in radiotherapy, dedicating 0.4 of her time to research and the rest to teaching, with the aim of eventually applying for a professorship. Heidi admits that the radiotherapy profession has been slower in driving forward its own research agenda, but says the tide is turning. “We’ve always had a foothold in bigger clinical trials, but now there is a research community carrying out studies that relate specifically to our practice, for example, patient side effects, compliance with information provision and protocols.” She believes that all radiographers should get


involved. “I don’t mean leading research, but using research evidence and engaging in the research agenda, questioning our practice and taking the service forward.” A PhD might sound intimidating but Heidi says she


“enjoyed every minute of it. And I’ve changed as a result. I’ve carried on the practice of my PhD training and I revel in the opportunity to learn and understand more about radiotherapy. I don’t think that will ever stop!”


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