Dr Gregory Compton recently completed his term as a radiology registrar at the Austin Hospital in Melbourne, having undertaken an advanced training position in neuroradiology. He has also worked at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne as a part-time radiology fellow. His mentor is Dr Murray Bartlett.
What inspired you to train in radiology?
I was lucky to have excellent role models as an undergraduate, one of whom was a family friend, who inspired me to enter radiology. Radiology is such an essential part of both acute and outpatient care. It is rare for diagnoses to be made without the input of radiologists. It is this level of involvement in diagnostics and the general knowledge required of radiologists which makes it such an interesting and invaluable specialty.
What’s the biggest challenge in your role?
Besides the obvious answer — the fellowship exams — the biggest challenge is the development of the “internal library” of cases, looking at enough scans and reading enough material to feel secure in knowing normal from abnormal and typical from atypical appearances of pathology. This is probably a lifelong process.
Is there something Dr Bartlett has taught you that will stick in your mind?
To be confident in my knowledge and to trust the images to tell the story. The combination of these two things will generally lead you in the right direction.
What is next for you?
I will be working as a fellow at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada.
- Cate Swannell