Scotland employs its first consultant radiographer
 Scotland’s first consultant radiographer has described her appointment as the “ultimate step in role extension.”
Janet Clarke, who is currently a deputy superintendent/clinical specialist in breast screening, will take up the post in the new year.
“Although I already carry out an extended role - film reading, ultrasound, stereo and ultrasound guided biopsies - I see this post as a really exciting opportunity for myself and for the profession,” she said.
Janet, who completed her masters in 2004, will work across two sites - Western General Hospital and the South East Scotland Breast Screening Centre. Her new job description is the same as that of a consultant radiologist. She will develop skills to incorporate more symptomatic work and become solely responsible for assessment clinics and discussion of cases at staging and multidisciplinary meetings.
She will also become more involved in research. “I have already completed studies on indeterminate microcalcifications and the number of core biopsies needed to aid preoperative diagnosis,” she commented. “But I have many more ideas for research and audit and think it is essential that radiographers do not let themselves miss out on valuable opportunities through fear of research.”
Another part of Janet’s remit will be to forward education and training for staff. She sees the consultant post as a platform from which to encourage others to extend their roles.
“I am proud that role extension has been so readily embraced and successful in Edinburgh,” she said. “With the support of the team, radiographers can make a huge difference and help to ensure a better patient pathway.”
Elizabeth Stow, SoR officer for Scotland, remarked: “I am delighted to hear that Janet has become Scotland's first consultant radiographer. I know the road to this achievement has taken a long time and has not been easy. It has been won primarily as a result of Janet's hard work, gritty determination and clear vision of her ultimate goal.
“She is a superb role model for all radiographers who aspire to be more and dare to be challenged.”
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