Meet Siân, a passionate and dedicated Medical Imaging Technologist at The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH). With a background in human anatomy and a love for working with children, Siân brings a unique combination of expertise and compassion to her role. From offering playful distractions to providing comfort and support to both kids and their families, Siân is committed to ensuring each patient feels seen and cared for during their healthcare journey.
What inspired you to pursue a career in medical imaging and radiography?
After completing a Bachelor of Science majoring in human anatomy, I became fascinated by the human body and its functions. Coupled with my desire to work with people and in healthcare, radiography seemed like the perfect mix of both!
How do you make procedures less intimidating for children?
Play, play, play! Lots of play and distractions. Children can sometimes watch videos during their X-rays, and parents are able to stay close by, which is always comforting for our patients. Plus, Bluey and Bingo are our best friends!
What’s your favourite part of your job in the radiography department?
I love interacting with patients and seeing the difference we can make in their healthcare journey. We often see certain patient’s multiple times, and it’s rewarding to become a familiar and friendly face during their hospital stay.
What does your job look like on a day-to-day basis?
A day shift starts at 8.30am, and we can be rostered across various areas of the hospital, including general X-ray, Computed Tomography (CT), Fluoroscopy, Theatre, Cardiac Catheter Lab, Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA), or Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA). Our department operates 24/7, so we work on a rotating shift roster, including nights and weekends!
What advice would you give to other clinicians looking to make a positive impact on children’s healthcare?
A little patience and understanding can go a long way in making a child feel comfortable in a hospital environment, which can often seem intimidating. Building rapport with patients, even if they’re only in the department for a 5-minute X-ray, can help them feel seen and allow them to voice any concerns before the procedure. Having a comfortable and well-informed family also makes our job easier, creating a positive experience for everyone.
How do you stay current with the latest advancements in radiology?
We have regular in-house education sessions, covering a wide range of topics within medical imaging. Networking with other professionals at annual conferences is also a fantastic way to stay up to date with the profession and learn how other hospitals are approaching similar challenges. Next year, RCH will host the 2025 Australia and New Zealand Paediatric Imaging Conference, which brings together major paediatric hospitals for a weekend of learning and sharing the latest developments in the field!