USA student hospital visit diagnosed a success
Students from Indiana discovered how NHS hospital diagnostic imaging works during a visit to Lincoln.
The 12 radiography students and two faculty members visited Lincoln County Hospital as part of a collaboration between the University of Lincoln and Lincolnshire Community and Hospitals NHS Group (LCHG).
The students shadowed colleagues in CT, MRI and X-ray learning about how images are reported, advanced practice for radiographers and clinical career progression in the NHS.
Lincoln County Hospital’s Ben Howitt, Clinical Specialist in Projectional Radiography, said members of Lincoln’s wider Radiology team thoroughly enjoyed the two-way learning exchange.
He said: “The visit provided an excellent opportunity for shared learning and for showcasing developments in radiographic practice across England and the wider UK. The group were particularly interested in the professional progression available to radiographers here, including advanced and consultant level practice – pathways that are not currently available within their own clinical settings.
“Engaging with international colleagues also reinforces our commitment to the continual development and education of our own staff. By exchanging ideas, comparing training models, and discussing different approaches to care, we help ensure that our workforce remains informed, skilled, and forward thinking.”
The visitors also took part in clinical skills sessions, alongside the university’s Radiography programme students, who also spend some of their time on clinical placements within LCHG’s hospitals and community diagnostic centres.
Dr Soph Willis from the university said: “Spending time within an NHS Trust allows visiting students to experience clinical practice in context and to better understand how imaging services operate within the NHS, while also creating space for meaningful conversations between students and professionals about the similarities and differences in how our profession operates internationally.
“The enthusiasm and generosity shown by colleagues across the Trust in supporting this visit has made a significant contribution to the learning experience for everyone involved.”
Top picture shows the group from Indiana University with staff from United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and the University of Lincoln.
Pictured below from left are CT Radiographer Roberto Santos, student Paw Moo, CT Radiographer Vasco Pinto and CT Radiographer Muhammed Najeeb.
