Following a number of "concerning reports" from radiography students claiming to have been subjected to mistreatment during clinical rotations, a prominent organization is calling for students to speak out.
The Society of Radiographers—a trade union and professional body for diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy workers in the United Kingdom—penned an open letter to radiography students on Jan. 25 encouraging them to challenge the kind of “unacceptable behavior” that had been reported to them.
The SoR indicated that many students had approached them about discriminatory practices occurring during their clinical training.
“Recently we’ve received some concerning reports from members who have witnessed unacceptable behaviors towards students on clinical placement. These have included – but are not limited to – racial discrimination, sexually inappropriate and discriminatory language, and non-inclusive practices,” the letter reads.
Written by SoR New Professionals Officer Nichola Jamison and a group of SoR students, the letter suggests that radiography students are put in vulnerable positions when faced with discrimination. This could cause them to tolerate unacceptable behavior due to fear of being reprimanded or losing out on academic and career opportunities. The SoR maintains that in these situations, it is okay to “make a fuss.”
“There is no place for discrimination in our profession or society as a whole. We are here to support and help you, making change happen as needed. Your learning experience is a vital and formative part of your journey into the profession, and your positive lived experience of this is our priority,” the authors encouraged.
The SoR letter encourages students to report any uncomfortable or unacceptable behavior to their academic institutions, clinical leaders or to the SoR directly.
"You matter. Help us protect you, and join us in challenging discrimination."
In addition to her background in journalism, Hannah also has patient-facing experience in clinical settings, having spent more than 12 years working as a registered rad tech. She joined Innovate Healthcare in 2021 and has since put her unique expertise to use in her editorial role with Health Imaging.