Our People In Radiotherapy Services
5 Minutes With Dearbhla McLaughlin, Clinical Specialist Radiation Therapist
How does your day start?
As a radiation therapist preparation for the day is an essential role to ensure the efficient running of the machine. I ensure quality Assurance checks are performed on all equipment prior to commencing the day. I ensure all checks completed on patients and new patients are ready to start treatment.
As a treatment lead, I ensure that all staff are aware of their roles and tasks for the day to enable safe and accurate delivery of Radiotherapy treatment.
Tell us about the team you work with.
As radiation therapist I work in a large multidisciplinary team collaborating with oncologists, medical physics, engineers, nurses and other healthcare professionals in the aim to providing comprehensive patient care.
I attend multi-disciplinary team meetings sharing information and updates on patient progress ensuring that all team members are informed and can adjust a treatment plan accordingly. Collaboration also involves discussing treatment options and sharing feedback to optimise patient outcomes.
As a radiation therapist you work in many different teams within the treatment pathway of a patient- including pre-treatment, CT simulation, planning and treatment delivery. We closely work together to provide optimal treatment delivery and quality care for the patient.
What does your typical working day involve?
Throughout the day, I operate radiation equipment including immobilisation of patient into reproducible position daily. I will review online images & deliver safe, accurate radiotherapy to the patients.
I am continuously reviewing patients and monitoring patient’s reactions to treatment. I collaborate with oncologists and medical staff which is essential for overall patient care.
I document and communicate clearly the instructions within the team and with patients ensuring accurate delivery of treatment.
I ensure all staff are aware of their roles and tasks for the day.
What motivates you in your work?
I am continuously motivated by the many opportunities to learn and grow in my career. Radiotherapy is continuously evolving and I strive to be at the forefront of these developments. I am always looking at ways to challenge myself and expand my skill set and find that being in a dynamic fast-pace work environment helps me do that.
I am also motivated by the chance to collaborate with talented colleagues and contribute to a team effort in the implementation of many new radiotherapy techniques.
What do you most enjoy about your role?
I enjoy spending quality time with patients during their radiotherapy appointment. I provide empathy and support for both the patient and their families in the aim to make them feel more at ease.
The small things for these patients can make the biggest difference to them as they go through one of the hardest journeys of their life.
What advice would you give someone considering a career in Radiotherapy?
I would suggest to research the Radiation Therapy courses available online – some include:
- Radiation Therapy B.Sc. (Ther. Rad.) Honours Bachelor Degree (NFQ Level 8) Trinity College Dublin
- Radiation Therapy MSc. (NFQ Level 9) University College Cork
- Radiotherapy and Oncology B.Sc. Honours Bachelor Degree (NFQ Level 8) University of Ulster
Spend a day in a radiotherapy department – see first-hand the day-to- day life of radiation therapist.
Explore different career development options within radiotherapy- such as Brachytherapy, MRI radiotherapy, Radiotherapy planning, SABR.
Finally, talk to someone already in the job…