Gemma Burke, a senior lecturer in radiotherapy at Sheffield Hallam University (SHU), is the new co-chair of the Brachytherapy Special Interest Group.
Members of the SIG voted for Gemma at the group’s recent annual forum, which was held on 22 September at the SoR in London.
The event was co-chaired by Alison Ormerod from Queen Alexandra Hospital in Hampshire and Julie Calvert from University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and was attended by therapeutic radiographers from across England.
Highlights of the day included Laura Lane’s report from the Christie Summer School, which was very successful. Laura, who works at The Christie, also gave feedback from the Prostate Cancer UK workshop.
Gemma Burke introduced SHU’s brachytherapy module, now available at the university, which was offered for the first time in 2016 and will run from January to May each year. A distance learning module, it is open to people working at levels who wish to know more about this specialty.
Gemma also presented a prospective study by Katie Bradshaw from Cambridge University Hospitals, who was unable to attend, entitled Formal bladder filling for Cervix MRI imaging.
Other highlights included a presentation from Melanie Armstrong, editor of Imaging & Therapy Practice, who encouraged members of the group to write for the journal; Sara Hodgkinson who reported from Maidstone Hospital on their experiences of using ultrasound for gynae insertions in theatre; and Alison Ormerod who reported back from September’s International Advanced Practice Conference in Sheffield.
Presentations from sponsors Varian and Elekta showcased new equipment designed to enhance treatment and improve patient outcomes and experience.
During the forum, outgoing co-chair Julie Calvert spoke to delegates about the history of the group.
To find out more, click to email Pauline Humphrey or Julie Calvert