Radiography Student Story: Taryn Ingleheart-Lee

Taryn Ingleheart-Lee is in her first year of the BSc (Hons) Radiography (Radiotherapy and Oncology) course at HSU. Before starting her studies, she spent eight years in the military as a musician, where she also held an operational role which included first aid and medical support.

During the COVID pandemic, she was deployed to a hospital where she gained hands-on experience in patient care. This inspired her to look into a career in healthcare. After taking a UCAS quiz, the Radiography course at HSU was recommended, and she decided to pursue this. 

Taryn describes what the course means to her and why the role of a radiographer is really important to her…

The role of a therapeutic radiographer

“The basic job description is using high-intensity energy beams to treat tumours and cancer patients, but there’s so much more to it than that, including providing patient care and support to the family, which is a huge element of it.

“Sadly, cancer is probably going to develop in around half of us. It’s the leading cause of death in England. So, we’re a huge part of helping to treat those who are affected and use curative and palliative techniques to make their life a little bit easier and a little bit more comfortable during a difficult time.”

What being a radiographer means to Taryn

“It means a lot, really. I’ve lost two grandparents to cancer. I’m sure there are many other people on my course who have a similar story. It’s really important to me that I can actually do something to help other families that are going through the same thing because it’s a really tough experience and it humbles you. It’s nice for me to be able to give something back on the treatment side of things to the patients and to their families.”

What makes a great radiographer?

“It’s a long list, but I think it’s really important to be compassionate, knowledgeable and passionate about your field.  It’s also really important to be friendly, supportive, and adaptable; someone who thinks outside the box as well as about the caring side of things and how they can support families. That’s quite important in paediatric care, as well, because that can be quite difficult for the children to understand.”

Taryn’s ambitions

“I’m only in my first year, although I think I would like to eventually specialise in head and neck, although as the field is expanding so quickly, I’m open to different areas. I’d definitely like to move into some sort of supervisory or leadership role at some point as well.”

You can find out more about the BSc (Hons) Radiography (Radiotherapy and Oncology) course here or by requesting a copy of our latest Prospectus.