It’s a Radiographer’s world for Graeme and Steven

University of Teesside graduates Graeme Dowson and Steven Burns have global ambitions, as they are planning to use their radiography skills to work around the world. Graeme, 22, and Steven, 21, are both from Normanby, Middlesbrough, and achieved their BSc (Hons) degrees in Diagnostic Radiography from the University this summer, and went straight on to their first posts as temporary Radiographers at Sunderland Royal Hospital.

In early December they will fly to Johannesburg, South Africa for a holiday. Graeme will stay on in South Africa at Christmas, with his uncle, Christopher Loughran.

Graeme and Steven both attended Eston Park Secondary School and South Park Sixth Form College at the same time, but first became friends at University. Graeme, of Ormesby Road, is following in the family tradition by pursuing a medical career, as his mother Julie and late Aunt Marjorie Abott are both nurses. He came to the University with three ‘A’ levels in Computer Studies, English Language and Social Biology.

Graeme said: “I first thought about Radiography when I went on placement to South Cleveland General Hospital at the age of 17; there was a friendly atmosphere and it seemed rewarding to work with sick people. The degree gave a good grounding, particularly the anatomy and physiology modules, which are invaluable when looking at x-rays.

“We also completed sixty weeks of hospital placements, which gave me the practical confidence to do this job. Sunderland Royal Hospital has one of the busiest radiography departments in the UK. Working here has allowed us to quickly consolidate our training and develop the necessary skills for our profession. In the future I’d like to work as a Radiographer in Australia and Canada.”

Steven, of Guildford Court, gained three ‘A’ levels in Social Biology, Sports Studies and Statistics before enrolling at the University. He said: “I’ve always been interested in science and medicine. The course was hard work, combining the placements with academic work, but it was worth sticking with. I’ve now got skills I can use all over the country and the world.

“Being a Radiographer is fulfilling, knowing that you’ve made a difference to someone’s life. I’d like to work in Canada, and later in a more specialised field of Radiography.”

Both Graeme and Steven are the first in their family to graduate from University. Graeme’s mother Julie and father Ray will attend his graduation today, and Steven’s mother and grandma will also be there for his ceremony.

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