A consultant radiographer at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust has recently achieved a PhD by published works from the University of Salford.
Barry Stevens undertook a 12-month pathway consisting of online sessions designed to support the writing of a critical, narrative review of nine of his previously published research articles.
His thesis was built on developing an evidence base for image interpretation and descriptive evaluation by radiographers.
'The next logical step'
Mr Stevens explained that he’d been thinking about doing a PhD by published works for a number of years.
He said: “When my research portfolio was big enough with several papers of similar topics, it seemed like the next logical step. It has provided validation of my research and recognises the knowledge generated and the impact of my work on the radiography profession.”
An accredited consultation practitioner and a member of the Consultant Radiographers’ Advisory Group (CRAG) at the Society, Mr Stevens’ radiography career started at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust in 2011, which was his first job after qualifying from the University of Cumbria.
He has remained at Walsall for the past 13 years, during which he has worked through several years of postgraduate study.
'Extremely proud'
Mr Stevens added: “Not many radiographers stay at the same hospital and progress from a junior position to a consultant position, especially in the West Midlands where there are many hospitals, so I’m extremely proud to have done that here at Walsall.
“This qualification would not have been possible if it was not part-funded by the radiology department at Walsall. I have always been supported in my post-graduate studies and I think this is testament to the investment in the personal and professional development of staff by the trust.”
His achievement would not have been possible without his colleagues and peers at the trust, Mr Stevens continued.
“I would also like to thank my amazing reporting radiographer colleagues who supported me throughout the course, allowing me to utilise my study time effectively,” he said.
Reflecting on achievement
Mr Stevens intends to take a break before recommencing his research journey.
“I’m going to have a little rest from academic writing for a little bit to reflect on this achievement, and then I will begin to plan some research studies to build on the recommendations in my thesis.”
(Image: Barry Stevens)