FROM RGS TO RADIOLOGY ALEX SELF

FROM RGS TO RADIOLOGY

A REPORT IN BLACK AND WHITE

BY ALEX SELF (93-00)

The timing of this article seems particularly pertinent for two reasons. The first is that as we negotiate the first global pandemic for 100 years there has never been a greater focus on the health and fragility of the human race and what role each of us play in it. The second, albeit less important reason, is that it is 20 years since I left the RGS to begin a career in medicine.

My own journey in life so far, like 20 years ago. It is certainly the case that if it hadn’t everyone’s, has been very much been for the positive atmosphere and support influenced by my childhood experiences created within the school by people such as the and consequently the RGS played a very large inspirational Neil Goldie (89-03) (and many part in that. others!) I very much doubt that I or many of my I remember wanting to pursue a career in classmates would have gone on to become the medicine from an early age, in no small part people we are today. spurred on by the diverse and stimulating career It can also be no small coincidence that my own my own father was interest in medical education started at a very early having at the time. stage of my career. I have been lucky enough to However, like all plans, have been involved in a number of educational the environment in projects ranging from setting up a Teddy Bear which it was conceived Hospital at UCL, focused on helping small children and then developed overcome their fears of coming into hospital, to There is no doubt that was to prove now running the specialist training delivered at the going to a school that instrumental. When aspiring to a career in Northern Radiology Academy in the North East and Cumbria, in my role as a Training Program Director is as academically medicine, it is normal in Health Education England (North East and outstanding as the for people to focus on the academic abilities Yorkshire). I’m currently fortunate to be part of a fantastic team of medical educators and leaders. RGS certainly helped of the applicant at an Every day they strive to continually improve and prepare me and my early stage. There is deliver training that has made the North East and classmates well in no doubt that going to a school that is as Cumbria officially the best place to receive a post graduate medical education, as voted for in this regard.” academically consecutive GMC surveys. It has never been the outstanding as the individual achievements within these endeavours RGS certainly helped that are most worthy of note but the bringing prepare me and my together of a talented team from a cross section, classmates well in this representative of the populations that they serve, regard. However, looking back at my time in the that has always brought the most success. It is school it has become clear to me that this was only always therefore heartening to see this reflected one piece of the puzzle. in the ethos of the school and in the continued When I look back at my career to date it is clear strength of the bursary scheme. As my own son that whether it be time spent helping set up a finishes his first year in the Junior School, I am surgical society at UCL or helping to manage and struck by how this message still resonates, for deliver diagnostic imaging in my current role as example with the new Junior School mantra ‘I am Head of Radiology at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, strong, I am able, I am calm and I am kind’. I have always been driven by a desire to improve The future holds a great deal of uncertainty the situation I find myself working in. This in itself for us all at the moment and therefore all we can has only been made possible by being part of do is to continually strive to ensure that we and strong, diverse and talented teams. It is interesting those around us are as best prepared to face the to reflect and appreciate the teams I was part of at challenges facing us. This is something the RGS school. Some obvious: the Combined Cadet Force, has always had at its heart and as a result it is an for example; some less so, the small group of us ethos that echoes through the communities we that first set up the Medical Society at the school are all a part of.