E169: Rachael Bissell - From Therapeutic Radiography to Mammography Servies Managment

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses breast screening, mammograms and breaking bad news.

Episode 169: Part of the workforce and education series Series(Part 59).

Description: In this inspiring episode, Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara sit down with Rachel Bissell, a Clinical Service Manager for a Breast Imaging Service within the NHS. She talks about her career as a therapeutic radiographer, training as a Mammographer and progressing into management. Rachael talks openly and honestly about challenges she faced working in radiotherapy and leadership. 

CPD Reflection Points:

1. Where do you see yourself in 1, 3, & 5 years? What skills, qualifications, or mentorship could support that path?What barriers might exist, and how could you overcome them?
2. What leadership style do you naturally adopt? What leadership traits do you admire and want to cultivate?
3. Reflecting on this podcast episode how could you better support colleagues who have logistical challenges in attending the workplace? 

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Links from the Episode:

• https://www.stgbec.org.uk/courses/post-graduate-course-mammography
• https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/wider-healthcare-team/roles-wider-healthcare-team/clinical-support-staff/mammographer
• https://nationalbreastimagingacademy.org/radiography/mammography-associate-apprenticeship/
• https://www.salford.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/pgcert-mammography-principles-and-practice
• https://www.sgul.ac.uk/study/courses/professional-practice-in-mammography
• https://www.sor.org/learning-advice/professional-practice/diagnostic-imaging-pathways/mammography

Research links from the Episode:

• Radiographers filling the mammography screening gap, but where's the evidence?
• Breast density effect on the sensitivity of digital screening mammography in a UK cohort
• Non-invasive screening of breast cancer from fingertip smears—a proof of concept study

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Credits: Music and jingle credits: Dr. Ben Potts and Adam Cooke.

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