Why did you choose your field of expertise?

I have worked in Nuclear Medicine Physics since 2010, and I have been based at the Royal Surrey County Hospital since 2017. Before moving into healthcare, I worked as a physicist in a commercial scientific company. Over time, I realised I wanted my work to make a real, positive difference to people’s lives, and to be part of something that directly supports health and wellbeing. 

Becoming a Clinical Scientist let me bring together my scientific background with genuinely patient-focused work. Nuclear medicine appealed to me in particular because it involves regular contact with patients and close collaboration with colleagues across many different disciplines. That combination of practical physics, teamwork and patient care made it a natural, rewarding career choice for me. 

What qualifications did you need, and what was your route into the role?

I hold a degree in physics, a PhD in physics, a Postgraduate Certificate in Management, and an MSc in Physics and Engineering in Medicine. Although my PhD was not directly related to nuclear medicine, it gave me a strong foundation in analytical thinking and problem-solving.  

I trained as a Clinical Scientist via an equivalence route, building up extensive on-the-job experience within nuclear medicine physics. 

This led next to my specialist registration as a Medical Physics Expert. A key part of my role involves understanding and applying radiation protection legislation, and providing expert advice to help ensure patients are treated safely. This includes supporting patients undergoing radiation exposures, as well as protecting carers, family members, staff and the wider public. With continued professional development and experience, I became eligible to join the Higher Specialist Scientific Register and to work as a Consultant Clinical Scientist. 

What does a typical day look like for you?

My role is varied and responsive to the needs of our service. I spend time directly supporting patients, carrying out radiation protection pre-assessments and giving clear, practical advice before, during and after Molecular Radiotherapies such as Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT). I also help support our diagnostic and therapy clinics, for example by assisting with the preparation of radiopharmaceuticals or the safe delivery of molecular radiotherapy treatments. 

Other parts of my role include developing and reviewing clinical protocols, writing patient information leaflets, and carrying out both general and individual radiation risk assessments. I regularly train physicists and support other members of staff, particularly those involved in delivering therapies or caring for patients with more complex needs. Practical work can include preparing treatment rooms, carrying out radiation monitoring and decontamination when needed, and testing the equipment used to image and treat patients. 

Alongside my clinical work, I have management responsibilities within our nuclear medicine service. This includes maintaining our quality accreditation, contributing to service development and improvement, supporting new treatments and clinical trials, and helping to apply dosimetry techniques for molecular radiotherapy. 

I am also fortunate to be involved in national professional work through the British Nuclear Medicine Society’s Molecular Radiotherapy Consortium, which focuses on improving MRT services across the UK. I am an active member of the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine’s Nuclear Medicine Special Interest Group too, helping to share knowledge and support best practice in my field. 

I work closely with a wide multidisciplinary team, including nurses, Consultants, radiographers, technologists, surgeons, radiologists, managers and administrative colleagues. Working together like this ensures our patient care is safe, coordinated and compassionate. 

How do patients come under your care, and how can your expertise benefit them?

Patients may come under my care if they are having molecular radiotherapy for conditions such as neuroendocrine tumours, thyroid cancer or an overactive thyroid, prostate cancer, or liver metastases. My role is to help make sure treatments are delivered safely, and that patients and the people around them understand what to expect regarding the radiation aspects of their treatment. 

By providing clear radiation protection advice and carefully planned safety measures, I help patients access effective treatments with confidence. This support helps reduce anxiety and allows patients to focus on their care and recovery. 

Why is your role important to the neuroendocrine cancer community?

My role as a Clinical Scientist is essential to ensuring PRRT can be delivered safely and in line with radiation protection legislation. This includes protecting patients receiving treatment, as well as staff, family members, friends and members of the public. 

My focus within the Nuclear Medicine Physics management team is predominantly the molecular radiotherapy service. This allows me to help ensure that care for patients with neuroendocrine cancer is safe, effective and centred around their individual needs, supporting high-quality treatment throughout the patient journey. 

What my role means for neuroendocrine cancer patients 

• You receive treatment that meets strict safety standards for radiation protection. 

• You have access to clear explanations and advice tailored to you and your situation. 

• Your care is supported by both local and national experts working to improve molecular radiotherapy. 

• You benefit from a service designed to be safe, coordinated and focused on your wellbeing.