IT'S NOT EASY LIVING HERE AS A SINGLE PERSON ALONE, IT CAN BE QUITE MENTALLY CHALLENGING AND OFTEN TIMES LEAD TO DEPRESSION AND SADNESS

MY CAREER CHOICE WAS STRONGLY DRIVEN BY THE ZEAL TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

 Ifeanyi Edi was born and raised in Onitsha, Anambra State in Nigeria. He obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Radiology from the University of Nigeria Nsuka, Enugu Campus. Currently he is a Senior Radiographer in England, combining cross section imaging and plain film imagining. His hobbies include surfing the web, watching movies and having fun with friends/family.

Ifeanyi Edi became a radiographer because of his kin interest in making a difference. While he was yet to enter the university he came across the radiology profession from his sister and being that he didn’t want to join the band wagon of becoming either a doctor, medical lab scientist or others, he decided to pick radiology as it was novel to him then. Right now as a radiographer the moments he enjoys most are when the images in his mind about a case correspond with the images present in the film captured.

According to him Radiology/Radiography in Nigeria could be said to still be in its budding phase due to the leniency in training, the lack of emphasis on the need of continuous proficiency development, lack of required standard machines and the insufficient provisions on radiation protection has left the profession wanting in respect to its counterparts abroad. Hence the longing to practice radiology abroad.

Our guest desire to migrate to England was infused in his thoughts prior to his leaving the university. This was birthed by factors like the socioeconomic situation of the country, the manner of training and practice given to radiologist. Since he was determined to migrate, he knew the next step will be getting his finances in check, as he would be financing himself. So once he started his internship he saved up and began pursuing his dream.

On arriving England he was met with various challenges in communication, continuous professional development courses and being alone. Most of the above challenges and occupational shocks like the great importance attached to monitoring of dosage and radiation safety experienced, merely lasted for 3 months.  As a radiographer in England, a typical week for him, involves him taking rotational shifts capturing plain film and Cross section images. Although he comes to Nigeria occasionally on visitation, he still maintains that only humanitarian activities can make him relocate back to Nigeria.

Ifeanyi Edi has countless informative Advice imbedded in the interview video for the radiology department in Nigeria, youths intending to migrate, radiographers in Nigeria seeking to practice abroad and all those based in diaspora. He encourages Nigerian youth to continue to stand up for their right and he is certain that if we do Nigeria is going to attain a significant change in the right direction.