Student radiographer Jason Brook has won the opportunity to travel to Peru to discover how radiography is practiced overseas.
Jason, 31, who is studying BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography at Teesside University, was offered the chance to travel to Arequipa in Peru through a competition run by the Society of Radiographers in partnership with Work The World.
He will spend just over a month in Peru this summer, working alongside professional radiographers in the largest Oncology unit in Southern Peru, with opportunities to work directly with cancer patients.
Jason said “I heard about the competition to win a placement abroad through the Society. Students had to say why they would be best suited to go and why. I was fortunate enough to be chosen to visit Peru,” said Jason, of Washington, Tyne and Wear.
“I will be in Peru for just over four weeks, working in Goyeneche Hospital within their x-ray department. I will be shadowing their professionals and seeing how things are done in an environment not quite as luxurious as our own. At weekends I aim to do as much exploring as possible and make as many new friends as I can.
“I’m really hoping I get an opportunity to see Machu Picchu. It has been a dream of mine to see this for such a long time. I am fascinated by human history and ancient civilisations.”
He added: “I have no idea what the people and atmosphere will be like in Peru but I do recognise the fact that it so biodiverse that it will be beautiful. I hope to come back from the trip a better radiographer. I know I will be humbled by everything that happens and maybe it will make me a more thoughtful and conscientious human too.”
Jason, who is completing the first year of his degree, said he chose to study radiography at university after having previously worked as an assistant in a radiography department for many years.
“I saw the degree as a natural progression for myself. I know lots of radiography students who studied at Teesside and could see how well they were trained and prepared for jobs after university.
“I have especially enjoyed the placements on the course, as to take x-rays everyday feels like a dream coming true. On the academic side of things I’ve really enjoyed learning more about how the body works in pathophysiology. Learning anatomy is satisfying and almost like learning a new language.”
He added: “If anyone has an opportunity to go for something they want they should just go for it. I had faith in myself and put everything into my entry. It paid off and now I am about to take the trip of a lifetime. Teesside University is a great place to study. The facilities, staff and community are all top notch.”
Sean Henderson-Kelly, of the Society of Radiographers, said: “The Society warmly congratulates Jason on his win. The standard of entries this year was exceptionally high and the judges’ choice a difficult one, but Jason demonstrated warmth, commitment and humour in his application. It is particularly good to note that Jason will be doing the pre-placement intensive Spanish language course that Work the World offers and we wish him every success in this venture.”