Ghanaian student benefits from Philips GCU visit

An MSc Diagnostic Radiography student has been reflecting on the opportunity to develop his career at GCU.

Kweku Ompong made the decision to leave his job in Ghana and travel to Scotland in September 2024. Fast forward five months and Kweku is now developing his scientific and technical knowledge, helping him prepare for his future career.

As well as completing a variety of placements throughout his Masters degree, Kweku and his classmates were also given a further insight into their profession through a visit from Marc Turner, Sales Specialist DXR at world-renowned innovators, Philips.

Marc, who studied at GCU, reflected on his career path from the NHS to working in the sales industry, while also introducing students to a brand new mobile x-ray unit, developed by Philips.

We sat down with Kweku to hear more about the visit and his overall journey to studying at GCU.

Ghana to GCU

“I worked for four years as a Radiographer back home in Ghana. I became interested in Radiography after suffering a fracture back in high school. I went to the hospital on the Friday and actually slept there until I was seen on the Monday. It made me realise there was a real lack of staff at the hospital that could help, and it got me thinking about becoming a Radiographer so other people didn’t face the same issue as me.

“I first heard about GCU through social media and always used to see the University advertised on my timeline. I was encouraged by my friends to take full advantage of the opportunity to study abroad - that really gave me the motivation.

“It was a difficult decision to actually move here because where I work doesn’t allow me to take a study break. It meant I had to resign from my job, but I knew I had to do it to help me progress in my profession and gain more experience, especially with MRI, which I did not have where I worked in Ghana.

“It did mean there were challenges when it comes to income, but it was also a difficult choice on a personal level. I didn’t know anyone in Scotland and knew I would miss my family and my friends. Thankfully, I was able to settle in quickly thanks to the University. Everything went smoothly from the moment I landed in Glasgow.”

Philips visit

“I first heard about the visit from Philips on GCU Learn.  Claire Currie, our lecturer, is very good at giving us different opportunities.

“I was aware of Philips because where I worked in Ghana operated with Philips machines. We had the older machines so I was really interested to see the new technology.

“It was a really good session. When it comes to my profession I tend to think about my career being in MRI, CT, image interpretation or academia, however, this session showed there is a role for Radiographers to play in communication of the profession and that it was a really important section of the industry to explore. We are not limited to simply practicing, but we can also help people by explaining the use of the equipment. We have the knowledge of how it works and how it benefits people, so we should use this to help them feel more comfortable.

“We were also introduced to a new mobile x-ray unit, which was called Jackson. It has similar features to other machines but this was definitely more advanced because it gives Radiographers extra support. It’s easier to use, has a simpler interface and also has more security overall.”

Exposure to new areas

“Radiographers are always interested in advancing, especially in terms of clinical experience. Marc reflected on his experience and explained his joy at helping create something that is helping patients – there is no greater joy for a Radiographer. We don’t want anyone to get sick but we want to be as supportive as possible and be ready to help them.

“I now also know that a career in Radiology Information Systems is possible, which is something I wasn’t aware of before. The presentation gave me an insight into how we keep data - something completely different to standard MRI. Radiography is becoming more advanced through technology so it was very important for us to gain an insight into the more technical side of our profession.

The main thing I took from the visit is that exposure is really important, especially in terms of getting access to how systems within Radiography work. I feel this experience is something I can use throughout my career.”

Future

“I’ve always wanted to be an academic. Before doing that it is very important for me to gain as much practical experience as possible. I would like to work in an MRI environment for some time and develop my overall knowledge and skill. In the near future, my focus will definitely turn to the academic side and helping educate others in either Scotland or Ghana.”

By Ross Clark      
Got an SHLS or GSBS story? Email me at Ross.Clark@gcu.ac.uk or message me on Twitter