Emma, Consultant Physicist in Nuclear Medicine
Emma joined the department in April 2022 as a Consultant Physicist in Nuclear Medicine. Here’s why this job appealed to her:
What attracted you to your role and working at Derriford?
Nuclear Medicine physics is a fascinating and varied career where no two days are the same. After doing my physics degree, I wanted to use this knowledge for the greater good, so I was delighted when I found Medical Physics as a career. As I’m people-oriented, specialising in Nuclear Medicine was an easy decision as I get to see a lot of patients, which adds variety but also allows me to see the benefit of the treatment we can give. The area around Derriford Hospital is beautiful, and I love being in Dartmoor with all the outdoor pursuits that it brings. The beaches in the area are also stunning, and it’s great having those nearby. Friends and family also love coming to visit.
What do you enjoy about your role and working at Derriford?
I work as part of a really welcoming and lovely multidisciplinary team, which is great to be part of. We all work well for the benefit of patients, with each group bringing their skills to the party. As physicists, this mostly involves radiation protection and ensuring treatments and tests that we do are optimised and equipment is working properly for the correct diagnosis.
What do you do in your spare time around the South West?
Walking and spending time on the moors or by the beach are my favourite things to do. Having a young family, it’s great that there are always things going on in the area, such as food festivals and outdoor events, such as the National Firework Championships in Plymouth.
Polly, Clinical Scientist in Diagnostic Radiology

After completing the Scientist Training Programme (STP) in Radiotherapy, I moved over to work in the Clinical and Radiation Physics department so I could remain based in Plymouth.
I had a lot to learn as I had missed out on the STP specialism training, so I relied heavily on my colleagues to show me the ropes. It didn’t take long for me to settle in, as everyone was very approachable and willing to go out of their way to support me. I feel lucky to be part of such a great team and would highly recommend the department as a place to work.