I made the decision to join the medical field four years ago. I regret not making it sooner, but it's never too late. I always knew that I like working with people and more than that, to help people. Although I'm not the biggest fan of needles I didn't want to give up on my wish and I chose as specialty radiology.

Once I decided what I want to study, I went online and looked for a school. There aren't many options in Romania so it wasn't that difficult to choose one. Soon after, I went to sign in and for the next weeks I was impatient to start school.

What they teach us first in school is that we have to ensure that we implement proper safety protocols and equipment to avoid contaminating the results or causing physical harm towards us or our patients. This includes using lead vests and other protective equipment as well as operating the equipment properly. This will help ensure that our own health isn’t affected by the radiation. As long as these measures are taken, there are very few health risks from the equipment used in this profession. During procedures, Radiology Assistants must use computerized medical equipment effectively and safely, and they are also responsible for calibrating and maintaining this equipment before and after use. Besides that, we also had a lot of courses in anatomy, pharmacology, lifesaving procedures and radiological procedures.

After all the theory we went through, it was time for practice. Me personally, I went for practice in our main hospital and in my last year of school I went to an oncological center. The difference was huge. Different mood, different approaches. What impressed me in a positive way was that the entire staff from the oncological center was way more empathetic than in a regular hospital and way more calm. I know this is the way every patient needs to be treated but unfortunately not everyone chooses to be a doctor or a nurse for the right reasons and this reflects in the way they treat patients. Maybe some of them are just tired, but that's not an excuse. I came across with a lot of people, different specialties, different personalities different ways to handle a patient and took from each of them something to improve myself.

Here in Romania the courses are on a 3-year period. After you complete the courses and also your practice you have to pass the final exam that also provides you with the right to practice what you studied in school.

Overall I had a great experience, in school and also in hospital. My teachers were great and helped us a lot through school. I can say that I learned a lot from them and also from all the medical staff I did my practice with. Of course the medical system isn't perfect and the more you go in a hospital the more you realize this. I think this happens in every country but we have great doctors that can teach us a lot.

In the ending I just want to say that I like a lot everything that comes with this specialty, you have the chance to learn a lot and also improve your people skills so if anyone is having doubts about signing in for this future job, just don't. I'm sure you won't regret it!