Deborah Clark

BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Imaging, Science and Radiography

Clinical Services Manager NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Before attending Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU), Deborah Clark worked a range of jobs from travelling the world as a cabin crew to hairdressing.

During that time, she faced a personal loss that sparked her interest in the importance of patient care and her friend inspired her into the field of radiography.

Knowing that radiographers play a critical role in patient diagnosis and recovery, Deborah set her sights on GCU which helped her achieve her ambition. GCU provided excellent support, guidance and teaching and she found the lecturers very encouraging for students to achieve their full potential.

She is currently using these skills to develop a strategy as a Clinical Services Manager at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, taking on a senior role she never thought would be possible.

GCU and its diagnostic imaging course gave me the skills and knowledge to prepare me for the clinical environment I dreamed of working in and the lecturers were incredible. They were very approachable and supportive and they helped form one of my favourite memories where I sat asking loads of questions in every lecture. I probably tested their patience at times but they really opened up a world of opportunity for me and my cohort.

“I started out as a diagnostics radiographer in a patient-focused role, I seized every opportunity to develop skills and progress my career and now my role is looking at the strategic direction of the Diagnostic Imaging service in GGC. I think it’s really important to lead by example and I will quite happily step into my uniform and help with patients when the department is short-staffed.

I did this not so long ago when I spent 12 hours on one of the CT scanners. It is important to show your staff group that as a Clinical Services Manager, you’re willing to help.”

Despite all her successes, her biggest highlight was achieving her honours degree. Deborah said: “I was very proud when I achieved my honours degree because I was the only person in my immediate family to attend university, at that time. I was a mature student and dedicated five years to studying which is a long time when you're 29 and you have a family to support.”

She added: “My next goal is to continue raising the profile of the profession. Radiography is a fabulous career with amazing opportunities and yet we have a recruitment crisis in the NHS. I’m looking forward to working more with GCU to help support students into the radiographic workforce.”