During my university days, I actively participated in international exchange programs, and experienced practical training at hospitals in countries such as the United Kingdom and Switzerland. Although it was only for a short period of time, I was able to come into contact with overseas medical care that is different from Japan, such as performing death imaging diagnostics to investigate the cause of death at a judicial institution, and I was able to feel the importance of my job as radiological technologist.
Around the spring of my 4th year, when I finished my practical training, I began studying in earnest to become radiological technologist. In order to work as radiological technologist, it is essential to pass the national examination, so preparation for the examination requires a longer period of time than normal job hunting. It was not uncommon for me to study from early in the morning until late at night, and I had a hard time staying motivated. However, I had friends who encouraged me together, and I was able to overcome it while working hard together. Also, there are many teachers who are kind to me, so it was very reassuring in terms of studying and job hunting.
There were manufacturers as candidates for employment, but the reason I chose to work at a medical institution and Kitano Hospital was because I had a strong desire to interact with patients in the medical field. Kitano Hospital is located in the center of Osaka, so you can interact with many patients and acquire a wide range of knowledge and skills necessary for radiological technologist while dealing with various cases. I also want to be involved in radiation therapy for cancer eventually, so I am glad that I chose Kitano Hospital because it is large and provides state-of-the-art medical care, and it is easy to improve my skills.
I am currently in charge of MRI. MRI is a device that captures cross-sectional images using a strong magnetic field and radio waves. Every day is a day of learning, and even if you are going to take a single image, there are many things that are required of you, such as what kind of positioning you should do and what kind of imaging method is best to take a better image. I feel the weight of my responsibility every day, as the patient's future treatment policy is determined based on the image information that I have taken with the MRI. However, I find it very rewarding when I can provide images that allow me to understand the patient's disease and condition. In the future, I would like to accumulate more clinical experience, accumulate knowledge, and do my best to contribute to the examination and treatment of patients.
Since we are located in the center of Osaka, we have many different patients, so we are able to come into contact with many cases and learn new things every day. Many people are kind and always help me when I have a problem. Also, since they all have a wealth of knowledge and experience, I can ask them how I can take better shots, which helps me improve my skills.
I think you have a lot of freedom in how you work. For example, one of the major features of our hospital is that it has a medical research institute, and if you wish, you can present your research at an academic conference. Also, I think it's attractive that it's easy to maintain a work-life balance, such as by promoting childcare leave for men and valuing private time.
A collection of problems and notes that I used to study for the national exam. Using detachable binders and sticky notes, I summarized the main points in an easy-to-understand manner.
As radiological technologist, I don't have much time to interact directly with patients. However, the images we take affect the patient's future treatment and diagnosis, so I think it is a job with a heavy responsibility. However, I feel rewarded when I can provide images that allow me to understand the cause and condition of the patient's illness and pain.
As the imaging method shifted from film to digital data, the working methods of radiological technologist gradually changed along with the advancement of technology. Even in such a situation, a single technique based on knowledge and experience can greatly change the images that can be taken, which will help in diagnosis and treatment. I think the most rewarding thing is to feel that I can contribute to medical care and to pursue technology.
I think that it is very important to secure time to study. I was trying to improve the quality of my studies little by little within a limited amount of time. I had a hard time staying motivated, but having friends who encouraged each other really helped. Going out to eat with friends and chatting about trivial things was the best way to relax from studying for exams.
To work as radiological technologist, passing a national examination is a prerequisite. The examination is usually held in February, but I think that many university students are free to spend their time until they find a job and go out into the world. Until then, it is important to persevere in your studies and have a strong will to become radiological technologist. It's not easy, but working hard here should be the sustenance of life.
I feel every day that the ability to look around is very important. It is important to observe the patient closely, and our work is not done by one person, but by a team. I think it would be better to have someone who can see the surroundings and act accordingly, such as whether there are people around.
I think it's suitable for people with good communication skills. I think that our occupation is closer to the service industry than medical care, and it is necessary to communicate appropriately with patients so that imaging such as MRI can be performed smoothly, as well as cooperation with doctors and nurses. I have. Also, in order to hone your own skills, it is desirable to have interests and questions in your daily work.
