E227: Helen Gregory and Kim Whitlock - The Power of Networking in Advanced and Consultant Practice

Trigger Warning: this episode discusses cancer and cancer treatment. Episode 227: Part of the Education and Workforce Development series (Part 79) Description: In this insightful episode, Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara sit down with Helen Gregory and Kim Whitlock. Helen Gregory is a Consultant Radiographer at Peterborough City Hospital, specialising in palliative radiotherapy. Since qualifying in 2000, she has gained experience across the radiotherapy pathway. Before her current role, she spent 11 years at the University of Hertfordshire as a senior lecturer and Clinical Lead on the undergraduate radiotherapy programme, and pathway lead for the postgraduate programme. Kim Whitlock is a Consultant Therapeutic Radiographer specialising in breast radiotherapy at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. Since qualifying in 2004, she has gained experience across the radiotherapy pathway, from pre-treatment and dosimetry to treatment, supported by an MSc in Advanced Radiotherapy and Oncology Practice. Kim now leads the breast radiotherapy pathway, undertaking patient clinics, consent, volume definition and plan approval, while helping to shape advanced and consultant practice within her Trust. In 2024, she completed an 11-month secondment with NHS England as a Radiography Clinical Fellow, and she now contributes to the Society of Radiographers' advisory and special interest groups. This episode is a deep dive into why advanced and consultant practice can feel isolating, the value of structured peer support, how to network authentically even if the word fills you with dread, overcoming imposter syndrome, and how to create opportunities that help others develop. CPD Reflection Points: Overcoming professional isolation: Helen and Kim described how autonomous roles, unseen workloads and competing pressures across the four pillars can leave practitioners feeling isolated. Who do you turn to when you need support from someone who truly understands your role, and how could you build or join a peer network that gives you that space? Networking authentically: Kim and Helen both dread traditional networking, yet see it as being approachable, curious and connecting people to each other. How could you become more of a "critical connector" in your own setting, and what small step could you take this month to build a two-way professional connection? Creating opportunities for others: Both guests spoke about stepping out of their comfort zones and encouraging colleagues to take rotations, placements and new opportunities. How do you currently support the development of others in your team, and how could you help a colleague add "a string to their bow"? Complete this form for your accredited digital badge: Digital Badge Form. Links from the Episode: Supporting the workforce: East of England Consultant Radiographer Network – Synergy Research links from the Episode: How and why are communities of practice established in the healthcare sector? A systematic review of the literature Independent research report: advanced practice(HCPC) Multi-professional consultant-level practice capability and impact framework Why do 77% of student radiographers feel like imposters? Why peer networks are important(Chartered Society of Physiotherapy) Rad Chat Links: Rad Chat Website Link Tree Facebook Instagram LinkedIn TikTok BlueSky YouTube Credits: Music and jingle credits: Dr. Ben Potts and Adam Cooke. © Rad Chat 2026. All rights reserved. We (or our licensors) own all intellectual property rights in this podcast and all related content, online and offline. You may not use, copy, modify, download, archive, reproduce, distribute, display, publish, licence, create derivative works from or commercially exploit any part of our content unless we expressly agree in writing. You must not use any images, audio, video, graphics or clips separately from their accompanying context. Please acknowledge Rad Chat (and any identified contributors) clearly whenever referencing or sharing our content.