This year’s Annual Radiotherapy Conference is set to be an “excellent opportunity” for Therapeutic Radiographers, according to past attendees.
Taking place from Friday 4 October - Saturday 5 October 2024, the Annual Radiotherapy Conference (ARC) offers interactive panels and contemporary proffered paper sessions, for an enriching and immersive environment for learning.
In celebration of the relaunch, past attendees have shared their experiences with the conference.
'Friendly and inclusive'
Gemma Burke, Therapeutic Radiographer and senior course lead for radiotherapy, oncology and diagnostic imaging at Sheffield Hallam University, encouraged radiographers to attend.
She said: “The annual radiotherapy conference provides an excellent opportunity for all health care professionals involved in radiotherapy to come together and discuss and debate national strategic priorities as well as educational, clinical and workforce developments.
“It is a friendly and inclusive conference with a shared vision that is very much centred on patients and their care.”
'Huge opportunities to network'
Gemma has attended ARC several times as a delegate only, but added it was also the first conference at which she had presented a proffered paper, while she was a newly-qualified radiographer.
She explained: “While it was nerve-wracking, I was really supported and encouraged by a room of friendly faces. As a delegate there also are huge opportunities to network, to learn and to share good practice and over the years I have met many amazing people through the conference who I have gone on to work with on research or other projects.”
'Receptive, welcoming and supportive'
James Barber, radiotherapy pre-treatment superintendent Therapeutic Radiographer, agreed with Gemma.
He said: “I found attending the ARC an excellent opportunity to meet like-minded radiographers and to build professional networks as well as friendships that have stayed with me for the five years since I attended.
“It is an opportunity to present your work as a Therapeutic Radiographer to an audience that is receptive, welcoming and supportive.”
Developing skills and expanding knowledge
James emphasised that the ARC’s targeted nature made it an excellent place to develop practical skills and expand your knowledge base.
“It is important for radiographers of all seniority and experience levels to attend a conference dedicated solely to Therapeutic Radiographers to ensure that we remain up-to-date with changes from all aspects of our profession, and to support the upcoming generations of radiographers who may be making their first foray into research and presenting,” he concluded.
The ARC provides continuing professional development, and may help you meet the following outcomes:
- Practical skills
- Knowledge base
- Work safely
- Communication skills
- Manage knowledge/information
- High-quality healthcare/education services
- Patient centred care and choice
- Inter-professional/agency working or learning
- Leadership/management skills
- Workforce development or staff governance
- Service design
- Evidence to support practice
- Knowledge and skills in audit/research
- Professional body/trade union
To find out more about the programme events and how to attend, click here.