Award-winning radiography graduate from Belfast turns personal health journey into a mission to help others
A Coventry University graduate from Belfast is using her own experience of scoliosis to inspire others as she begins her NHS career.
Erin Graham, 21, from Belfast, graduated with first-class honours in Diagnostic Radiography and was named Midlands Radiography Learner of the Year at the Radiography Awards in November.
Her interest in the field began at the age of 13, when spinal surgery to correct scoliosis first introduced her to medical imaging. Seeing her own X-rays sparked a fascination that later developed into a career ambition.
Now starting her first role as a radiographer in Oxford, Erin is committed to raising awareness of scoliosis and supporting those facing similar diagnoses.
“I wouldn’t have pursued this career if I hadn’t gone through scoliosis myself,” she said. “There’s definitely a part of me that wants to give back.”
For her final-year dissertation, Erin focused on spinal X-rays in scoliosis patients and produced a tutorial to help fellow students understand the condition. The project earned praise from peers and contributed to her award win for its impact on both students and the wider radiography community.
“I’m proud to have turned something difficult into something positive,” she said. “I had a big operation when I was younger, but now I’m pain-free and able to help others - and that makes it all worth it.”
She was nominated for the award by diagnostic radiography lecturer Sarah Eades, who highlighted Erin’s dedication and development throughout the course, as well as the strong impression she made during her NHS placement in Inverness.
“Erin has been consistently attentive, hardworking and engaged,” Ms Eades said. “Her research earned her a first, her placement feedback was outstanding, but her personal growth is what truly stands out.”
Erin moved from her native Northern Ireland to Coventry alone and admits the adjustment was challenging at first. “It was a big jump,” she said. “But as I settled in, I enjoyed it more and more.”
Reacting to her award, she added: “When Sarah told me, I was like - me?! I was shocked. You never think it’ll be you. I’m really chuffed.”
Her message to others preparing to leave home for university is simple: “Put everything into it - the more you give, the more you get back.”