Jamile Muglio

How did you develop an interest in Radiotherapy, and why did you choose to study BSc Radiography - Radiotherapy and Oncology?

After caring for a relative who had a broken bone I became very interested in imaging so I enrolled myself in a college to study Access to Radiography and whilst studying an opportunity to visit a radiotherapy department came up.

I went as I didn’t know much about radiotherapy, and after visiting the department and reading more about it, I could definitely see myself caring for cancer patients and I knew it would be a very rewarding career.

Why did you choose to study at City, University of London?

After choosing radiotherapy I started looking for universities that offered the course and City, University of London was definitely the best! The university building, library and facilities are great and knowing that the degree is delivered half in lectures and the other half in clinical was important. The clinical placements that City offers are also at the best hospitals in London, so I was so happy when I was offered a place at City.

What has been your favourite module on the course and why?

Competence to Practice was my favourite, I loved being at the hospital and working towards my clinical competencies and achieving them was really enjoyable.

What have you enjoyed most about your time at City?

I really liked the structure and how well organised the programme was, as a student I knew where I was meant to be a year in advance, and I was well guided in regards to my assessments.

As a mature student with kids, I was unable to enjoy the student life and all the events that the student union organised, but from what I could hear from the other students they were great.

How have you found the teaching on your course?

In a career that is constantly evolving I think City has done a great job in ensuring the content of lectures were updated and relevant.

How have you benefited from the Radiotherapy facilities available at City?

We had sessions in the clinical skills centre where we practised how to approach and speak to a patient, which may sound really simple but students found that session helpful as it was something new to most of us, learning how to transfer a patient from a bed or how to safely help them to stand up from a wheelchair, not forgetting to put the breaks on.

We also had CPR training, which even though you wish you never need to do, it was reassuring to learn what to do in case of an emergency.

During my VERT (Virtual Environment for RadioTherapy) session it was useful to help me visualise a human body in 3D and learn to use the hand pendants that we use in clinical environments, so that when I first went to placement I had an idea of how it worked.

Could you tell us about your placements?

My placements were based mainly at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, and I really enjoyed my time there, the radiotherapy department was purpose built and benefited from new linac machines, a Cyberknife, and brachytherapy, as students we benefited from a library with 5 computers to study and do our coursework, and weekly tutorials given by the staff members according to the students needs.

The most challenging was settling in during our first year, finding out where everything was, how things worked, and what was expected of me, but all staff were encouraging and supportive throughout my time there.

What has been your biggest challenge whilst studying at City?

My biggest challenge was to balance my academic, clinical and family life; but the course was well structured and by keeping myself organised I managed to successfully complete this journey.

What would be your advice to anyone considering studying the BSc Radiography - Radiotherapy and Oncology course?

Visit a department first, see if you can see yourself working there and if yes, go for it! Make sure you are organised with all the academic and clinical coursework, and don’t forget to have fun.

Can you tell us a bit about your current role, and what happens on a typical working day/week?

I am currently working at North Middlesex University Hospital, and as a newly qualified member of staff in a different department it is still a bit challenging, but I get to do what I enjoy which is treating patients with different types of cancer, with different needs, and I work to the best of my ability to give their radiation treatment whilst treating them with respect and dignity.

What do you enjoy most about your current role?

The patient contact has always been the main drive for me while choosing this career, and still is; to show kindness and see a smile in their face makes my day, it is the most fulfilling job ever!

How did your time at City help prepare you for your current career?

City has provided me with essential academic knowledge and real experience from placements at private and NHS hospitals.