National Healthcare
Group (NHG)
Diagnostics
Radiographer and
Healthcare Scholar
Christopher Ong
tells us how his
radiographic images
aid in diagnosing and
addressing patients'
ailments.
Radiographers form an essential
constituent of the healthcare equation.
By combining their clinical experience
and technical skills, radiographers employ imaging
techniques and obtain radiographic evidence to
facilitate diagnoses, clinical management as well
as treatment of patients’ diseases and injuries.
At NHG Diagnostics, Radiographer Christopher
Ong makes it a point to ensure these images are
clear and patients will receive the most accurate
radiography results via the latest digital technology
and diagnostic imaging modalities.
For a staff who believes in NHG’s vision of
‘Adding Years of Healthy Life’, Christopher’s work
has gone beyond adding years of healthy life – it
is also about carrying out the challenging yet
rewarding task of preventing illness, preserving
health and maintaining patients’ quality of life.
What First Sparked Your Interest In
The Healthcare Sector?
Christopher Ong: I attended a scholarship
talk which was jointly organised by Nanyang
Polytechnic and the National Health Group (NHG).
I was attracted to the course of study as it would
allow me to experience life abroad and a career
within the healthcare sector.
"I was attracted to the course of study as it would allow me to experience life abroad and a career within the healthcare sector."
I was also particularly intrigued by how
radiologic images were translated into diagnoses
that determine which medical treatments are to be
administered. One example would be the Magnetic
Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines – the science
behind the formation of images is absolutely
fascinating!
What Are Some Interesting
Highlights Of Your Scholarship
Journey?
Christopher: My University (the University of
Newcastle) provides students with a good and
productive learning environment. I was given
the opportunity to work with a team to publish a
poster for the Combined Scientific Meeting 2014.
Throughout the preparation, we received invaluable
guidance from our mentors which was immensely
beneficial for us. The study allowed me to tour
around the country during the semester breaks
and I concluded Tasmania to be one of my favorite
cities!
I was also attached to Sydney’s Westmead
Hospital, one of the largest Australasian Level
1 Trauma Centres. The eye-opening experience
allowed me to learn a great deal from the local
radiographers and doctors. Not only do they nurture a pleasant working environment, they also greatly encourage communication among doctors, nurses and
the Allied Health professionals.
Tell Us More About Your Roles And Responsibilities As A Radiographer.
Christopher: I start each day by setting up the X-ray machine and carrying out necessary checks.
Throughout the day, I will perform the various types of X-ray projections requested by doctors. Once the
reports are ready, I will dispatch the reports and X-ray films to doctors or patients.
Patients usually have the misconception that X-ray examinations will lead to cancer. Being a radiographer,
I think it is my duty to explain that the dose one receives from a single X-ray examination (0.02w mSv)
is roughly equivalent to that of the exposure to cosmic radiation from a flight from Darwin to Perth
(0.016mSv).
Other than my usual duties, I am also required to interact with patients and understand their
medical problems. Sometimes, patients may not be able to assume certain positions which
are ideal for the requested X-ray projection – hence, I must always think ahead and modify
certain techniques so that they will experience lesser discomfort or pain.
Christopher Ong Eng Kiat
Healthcare Scholar
Designation:
Radiographer, NHG Diagnostics
Studied:
Bachelor of Medical Radiation
Science (Diagnostic Radiography),
University of Newcastle, Australia
"At times, they share with me
their various life stories which give me a clearer perspective of some
of the struggles they face and how they triumph over adversity."
What Do You Find Fulfilling About Your Job?
Christopher: I enjoy interacting with the patients, understanding their conditions
and offering my support. At times, they share with me their various life stories which
give me a clearer perspective of some of the struggles they face and how they
triumph over adversity. I’m glad that my time abroad has honed my communication
and interpersonal skills and put me in a better position to carry out my daily work
duties.
What Advice Would You Have For Aspiring Healthcare
Scholars?
Christopher: Aspiring Healthcare Scholars should look out and apply for voluntary
positions in the healthcare sector. This will give them a glimpse of their prospective
workflow which will help them understand the common challenges faced by healthcare
professionals. A cultivation of good interpersonal skills is also tantamount to their
confi dence to interact with patients on a daily basis and for all their future endeavours.
It is also important to have an open mind and be receptive to feedback and criticism.
This will unequivocally help them to grow and expand their learning potential. Lastly, they
should not be afraid to speak up and to ask questions. The Healthcare Scholarship will offer
you the opportunity to study and experience life abroad, as well as pursue a meaningful career
in the healthcare sector.