Alumna supports Commonwealth Games athletes to compete at their best

MSc Radiography alumna Aoife Murphy is volunteering at the Commonwealth Games (CWG) as a radiographer. Find out how she got involved and her experiences so far.

Aoife came across the opportunity to get involved in the CWG after the Society of Radiographers posted on its Instagram page about needing volunteers to join the medical imaging team at the Games.

After applying through the CWG website, Aoife was then invited to interview for the Commonwealth Collective at the Library of Birmingham. She was placed at the University of Birmingham Polyclinic helping to provide a high-quality imaging service to athletes throughout the Games. The role involves problem-solving, has deepened her understanding of injuries and will ensure that athletes at the Games are competing at their best.

Aoife completed her BSc in Radiography at BCU and more recently a MSc in Radiography with distinction at BCU. During her Master’s, she learned about advanced technology used in CT and MRI scans. The technology she recently wrote assignments about, she will be using in person now during the Games.

Aoife said: “My experience at the Commonwealth Games has been amazing so far. I performed the first MRI scan of an athlete during the Games using cutting-edge technology on a Canon Medical MRI scanner. Canon is the first manufacturer to use deep learning reconstruction technology for MRI, so it was amazing to get the opportunity to utilise this world-leading technology while scanning a world-class athlete.”

She added: “Day-to-day coming into the Games there is almost a festival atmosphere. All the volunteers are enthusiastic, the athletes housing is close to the polyclinic, so we can hear the music coming from their rooms!

“There are also athletes jogging around the village. Every morning, I go through a strict check-in at the venue, which is similar to airport security. Before the Games, the Commonwealth Collective volunteers received a uniform, which is orange and blue, and even includes a peaky blinders style cap as a nod to Birmingham’s history.”

Aoife added: “Another reason I applied to volunteer at the CWG was because it involves my passion for sport. During my time at BCU, I played for the women’s hockey team, where I made great memories.”

Working at the Games has helped shine a light on Aoife’s career. She has featured on her Trust’s intranet site for undertaking the volunteer role, and has been working with the Canon medical team on site during the Games, where she has made connections in the world of radiography, clinical applications and medical equipment.

Pictured (left to right): Aoife, Senior MRI Radiographer Suzanne Baker and Canon Medical Applications Specialist Chris Henny at the Commonwealth Games.