Diagnostic Imaging student top of his field with LGBT focused assignment

A GCU student has admitted that he nearly hit the roof with excitement after finding out he’d won first prize in a prestigious writing competition. 

Final year BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Imaging student Callum Currie completed an assignment as part of his coursework and entered it into the Insight Student Writing Competition 2021. Insight is the official CPD publication of the Society and College of Radiographers. 

Callum said: “The written assignment involved us having to pick a patient population and talk about how we could improve their experience in the imaging department. I chose LGBT people and looked at recommendations for practice – so, making radiographers aware of different sexual and gender identities and how best to image them, treat them and how we can adapt to their language. I also focused on electronic forms used within practice and how to make the user experience a bit easier and less distressing. 

My lecturer, Claire Currie thought it was an interesting piece, so we pushed to get it published.  When I submitted it they let me know that there was a writing competition, so I just diverted it to that.” 

The Insight Student Writing Competition is open to students and recently qualified radiographers. All submissions are reviewed by the Insight Editorial Board and the highest scoring papers were then published in November as part of a special Insight magazine student edition – much to Callum’s delight. 

He explained: “I originally emailed it to the editor and attached a cover letter of my references, along with my tables and the actual article. That was in August and I found out at the start of November that it was going to get published. It’s been a long, nerve-wracking wait. 

I was actually getting ready for work. I was about to nip in the shower and was half asleep checking my emails. I then saw the message saying I’d won first prize – I nearly hit the roof! 

Callum added: “I’m really thankful for all the help and support Claire gave me throughout the process. I literally couldn’t have done anything without her.” 

With graduation just around the corner, Callum already has a firm plan in place for the future. 

He said: “I’m hopefully going to start my post in May or June when my registration comes through. I plan on working as a band 5 for a while and then coming back to University later on in life.  

I never really thought research was for me but after third year and starting my dissertation, it’s actually became a bit more fun. I think the long-term goal is in reporting radiography for me.” 

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