The Society of Radiographers has welcomed the news of the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM) choosing its new president-elect.
IPEM is a partner of the Society, and with the Royal College of Radiologists the three organisations make up the Radiotherapy Board.
The election was won by Mark Knight, who is chief healthcare scientist at NHS Kent and Medway, after securing 53.7 per cent of the vote over Fiammetta Fedele, on 46.3 per cent. Turnout was 23.2 per cent of IPEM fellows, full and associate members
Mr Knight formally takes on the role in October 2024.
'A crucial time for the sector'
Mr Knight will be representing IPEM's members to promote medical physics and clinical engineering priorities with the UK government and national bodies.
He said: “We are at a crucial time for the sector and under my leadership IPEM will continue to actively promote medical physics and clinical engineering for the benefit of society. A major theme is accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence in the NHS to benefit patients and help save money.
“My appointment has already led to an increase in new connections from students and science professionals from across and beyond the UK, which gives me the opportunity to spotlight Kent and Medway as a great place to live, work and learn.”
'Highest possible standards'
Richard Evans, CEO of the SoR, said: “It is great news that Mark Knight has been elected as the next president of IPEM. SoR members work closely with medical physics colleagues in the front line of health care.
“Local partnerships and collaboration, including at Mark’s workplace in Kent and Medway NHS Trust, ensure that patients are treated and diagnosed safely and that services are developed with the highest possible standards of scientific advice and support. As professional bodies, we are similarly proud to work closely with IPEM.
“Our collaborations include the organisation of UKIO annually, assuring standards of sonographic education and training through CASE and campaigning for statutory regulation of sonographers and nuclear medicine technologists. We are looking forward to working with Mark when he takes up his role as president.”
'An exciting time'
Dr Anna Barnes, outgoing IPEM president, commented: "I congratulate Mark on his election and thank both candidates for putting themselves forward. This election has been a really positive experience for IPEM and I am pleased that so many of our members engaged with it and took the time to vote.
“IPEM is here for its members and I look forward to working with Mark to continue to develop the organisation at this exciting time for us.”
Members of IPEM may help to make sure patients are correctly diagnosed and safely treated for illnesses, such as cancer and stroke, through their work on imaging and radiotherapy. Some develop, maintain and manage medical equipment, such as MRI and ultrasound scanners, X-ray machines, drug delivery systems and patient monitors.
Other members' clinical work, research and innovation leads to technologies and methods, which support and improve on existing medical treatments.
(Image: Mark Knight, via the IPEM)