INTERVIEW WITH MR HASSAN BENLAHMAR, MEDICAL IMAGING TECHNICIAN AT CLINIQUE TURIN

Two years after the launch of the TURIN clinic's second MRI scanner, we give the floor to Mr BENLAHMAR, a technician at the clinic for over 10 years.

• What is your job?

I'm a medical imaging and therapeutic radiology technician, which is the title given to the health professional who is both a carer and a technician and who carries out radiological images, scans, MRIs, ultrasounds and functional explorations on medical prescription. In my field, I can also work in nuclear medicine and radiotherapy, where I use radioactive ionising radiation or other physical agents to irradiate cancers.

• What does this involve?

The work of a medical imaging technician involves taking charge of a patient, preparing him or her psychologically and physically for the examination and, if necessary, injecting an intravenous contrast agent. The aim of this care is either to obtain diagnostic imaging or to deliver radiation for therapeutic purposes. They are also technicians who have to keep abreast of technological advances in equipment, and protect themselves from the risks associated with ionising radiation (X-rays, magnetic fields, radioactive isotopes).

• What did you do to become a medical imaging technician?

After obtaining a scientific baccalaureate with a major in physics and chemistry, I applied to the ENCPB (Ecole Nationale de Chimie Physique et Biologie) for a Diplôme de Technicien Supérieur en Imagerie Médicale et Radiologie Thérapeutique (Higher Technician Diploma in Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Radiology). The studies last 3 years and alternate between courses and practical work in a hospital, clinic or practice.

• Why did you choose this profession?

When I was at secondary school, I had a passion for physics, chemistry and biology and I wanted to study engineering, but on the other hand I wanted to go into a health profession, so I chose this job, which combines both the caring aspect of carrying out examinations and the technical side with the complex computer processing involved in multi-planar 3D reconstructions and image fusion, among other things. The best thing is to be involved in a diagnosis or treatment and to have expertise that is closely linked to technological advances.

• How long have you been at the Clinique TURIN and why have you stayed?

I've been working at the Clinique Turin since the opening of its MRI department in January 2009. We now have two MRI scanners, making us the only establishment able to see up to a hundred patients a day, and the only centre able to carry out all the types of examination that this equipment allows.

We carry out examinations of osteoarticular, abdominal, pelvic, penile, testicular, mammary, cardiac and cerebral areas, etc. Over the years, my superiors have placed their trust in me by entrusting me with the management of schedules, the bursar's office, the pharmacy, equipment maintenance and the recruitment of staff.

• What do you enjoy most in your day-to-day work?

Working in an establishment with as many specialities as the Clinique TURIN means that we can routinely carry out a very wide range of examinations in close collaboration with radiologists and cardiologists. Our working environment is at the cutting edge of technology, thanks to our choice of highly sophisticated equipment, which makes it easy for us to provide optimum patient care.

• What are your prospects for the future and how will the profession of medical imaging technician develop?

After a few years in practice and training as a health executive, they can move on to departmental management roles or become a trainer in a training institute. Medical imaging technicians can also become application or sales engineers for manufacturers, medical physicists or apply for a professional degree in Health and Social Structure Management.

• What would you say to encourage young students to take up this profession?

The medical technician is an essential link in the healthcare chain, as both a carer and a technician, and has a multitude of specialities in which to practise (Radiology, MRI, Scanner, Radiotherapy, Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine, Functional Explorations). There is no unemployment in the profession. The growing demand for medical examinations and the increase in the number of facilities offer job prospects for young graduates. New treatments (radiotherapy) and the development of equipment and techniques offer the prospect of career-long change. There is even a shortage of medical imaging manipulators!