Celebrity Traitors Highlights the reach of Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering
Every so often, something in popular culture reminds us just how far the impact of MPCE reaches. A recent example came from Celebrity Traitors, where the winner, Alan Carr, donated his prize to the excellent Neuroblastoma UK charity. This gesture is a powerful reminder of the vital role our professions play in diagnosing and treating cancers like neuroblastoma.
Our members are critical to detecting and treating neuroblastoma – and indeed other cancers of the brain and the rest of the body - through scans and radiotherapy, which is the most effective treatment for this aggressive and hard to treat cancer. I am always keen to promote and, yes, explain the vital work that our members do and this is a great example that we can all use when asked that question “What does a Medical Physicist, Clinical Engineer or Clinical Technologist actually do?” Real life examples are more powerful than technical science – unless you’re talking to a fellow scientist of course!
We see this often, through the amazing outreach work that our members take part in. Remember, IPEM has resources that can support you with that, whether you’re having a stand in your hospital foyer for Healthcare Science Week or going to talk at a local school. Please get in touch using the form on our website.
One area where IPEM has upped its game over the past couple of years, is our engagement with All Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs). There’s an All Party Group for almost every subject you can imagine, from bees to beer! There are a number that are relevant to the work of IPEM.
For example, we are a key partner in the Radiotherapy APPG and our members actively contribute to their work.
You may remember that earlier this year, we hosted and event jointly in Westminster with the Science APPG.
Going back to neuroblastoma, we also engaged recently with the APPG on brain cancers to ensure MPCE perspectives were raised with the Minister. An invitation we are pleased to say was acted upon.
As I wrote recently, the NHS cannot function without science, engineering and technology, yet the people who make it all work remain largely invisible. MPCE colleagues should be in leadership positions across local, regional and national levels. When a profession loses visibility, it loses investment, oversight and, eventually, public confidence.
IPEM will continue to promote the work of Medical Physicists, Clinical Engineers and Clinical Technologists whether to Government and policymakers, other stakeholders and, where possible, the public.
The Celebrity Traitors is a clear reminder that our work touches far more lives, in far more ways, than many people ever realise and it is up to all of us, from us as your professional body, to everyone giving their expertise every day, to make sure others hear about it An easy way to do this is by following us on our active LinkedIn feed and liking, commenting on and reposting the daily updates we put out to support our profession.
The voice of our members is essential and IPEM has a clear priority to act as your collective voice.
Gill Collinson, Chief Executive, IPEM