The vital yet often overlooked role radiographers play in detecting life-threatening conditions.
Joey Tan, a 29-year-old diagnostic radiographer specialising in ultrasound, faces the stark realities of human fragility every day. Despite the often intense nature of her job, which involves uncovering life-threatening conditions, Joey has a deep passion for her work. Ultrasound, she says, is one of the most sensitive types of scans, often revealing hidden abnormalities in vital organs.
Working at National University Hospital (NUH), Joey reflects on how her experiences have shaped her understanding of both the medical field and the human condition. Having received a Healthcare Merit Award scholarship from MOH Holdings (MOHH), she’s been part of the hospital’s team for almost six years since graduating from Monash University with a degree in Radiography and Medical Imaging.
While Joey initially had little knowledge of diagnostic radiography, her time at NUH introduced her to the complexities of the profession. As a radiographer, she’s frequently the first to detect conditions that might otherwise remain unnoticed, though it’s ultimately up to the doctors to deliver the diagnoses. Joey recalls the emotional weight of discovering conditions like twisted ovaries in an 8-year-old patient, a finding that wasn’t initially suspected.
Joey’s responsibility extends beyond the technical aspects of scanning; she must communicate findings with patients and alleviate their concerns. She remembers a particularly intense case involving a newborn, where a scan revealed significant brain haemorrhaging. Despite the emotional toll, her quick thinking and attention to detail were crucial in alerting the medical team to the urgent need for intervention.
The pressure of such responsibilities is compounded when working with terminally ill patients or children in critical condition. Joey has learned to maintain a neutral, composed demeanor to avoid escalating the anxiety of worried families. Yet, the emotional burden is real, and she admits that moments of loss still affect her deeply, especially when a patient she scanned has passed away soon after.
In the early days of her career, Joey was often concerned about radiation exposure, though she soon learned that modern radiography rooms are equipped with lead shielding to ensure safety. As a junior radiographer, Joey’s experiences ranged from working with X-rays to eventually specialising in ultrasound. While dealing with patients’ discomfort, particularly when they were uncooperative, was challenging at first, over time she developed confidence and resilience.
One of the most rewarding aspects of Joey’s job is its variety. From the emergency department to the operating theatre, she’s constantly faced with new and diverse cases. Radiography is often the first step in medical treatment, and Joey takes pride in playing a crucial role in the diagnostic process.
Her experiences echo those of her colleague, Wei Zhou, a radiographer at NUH’s Emergency Medicine department. He often deals with urgent, life-threatening cases and has seen patients who appear fine on the surface but are later found to be in critical condition. One particular case involved a patient who seemed uninjured, but a scan revealed a fractured spine. Such moments serve as stark reminders of the unpredictable nature of radiography.
Both Joey and Wei Zhou have developed coping mechanisms to manage the emotional weight of their work. While Joey still feels deeply for elderly patients who receive devastating diagnoses, Wei Zhou has learned to detach emotionally in order to maintain focus on his professional duties. Despite this, they both recognise the importance of empathy in their roles, offering comfort and reassurance to patients in distress.
Wei Zhou, in particular, has observed the challenges faced by Singapore’s ageing population. He frequently encounters elderly patients who come to the hospital alone, a reality that has deepened his empathy. He strives to make their experience as compassionate as possible, offering small gestures of kindness, such as a reassuring word or a warm smile.
For both radiographers, regular health check-ups are an essential part of maintaining health, especially in today’s fast-paced world where many neglect their well-being. Joey and Wei Zhou both stress the importance of early detection, which can be life-saving.
The role of a radiographer extends far beyond just operating machines; it involves the delicate balance of professionalism, empathy, and technical skill. Joey and Wei Zhou’s stories highlight the importance of these unseen healthcare workers who are the first to uncover hidden medical conditions, offering patients crucial insights into their health while providing a steady, compassionate presence in their time of uncertainty.
