Promoting radiology in medical education | Inaugural lecture from Professor Malcolm Johnston

The use of medical imaging to inform and guide treatment is at the heart of modern healthcare. From ultrasound and CT scans to new image-guided surgical procedures (involving cutting-edge surgical device design and materials science), radiology plays an ever increasing role in defining diagnostic and treatment pathways for patients.

It touches every branch of medicine, from cancer care to emergency surgery, and is central to the NHS 10-Year Health Plan’s vision for fast, efficient and cost-effective patient care.

So why is radiology still under-represented in many medical school curricula? Outdated stereotypes persist even as the field has transformed into one of the most dynamic and patient-facing areas of modern medicine.

In this thought-provoking talk, Professor Malcolm Johnston will explain why radiology education is essential for tomorrow’s doctors – and how we bridge the gap in educational resources.

He will share how Brighton and Sussex Medical School has developed a groundbreaking approach to clinical radiology education, and describe how combining modern medical imaging with traditional anatomy teaching gives students a more comprehensive understanding of the human body in health and disease.

Malcolm will also discuss the need to widen participation in medical education, ensuring future doctors reflect the communities they serve. And in a unique twist, he’ll explore how his background as a performing musician has influenced his approach to teaching, communication, and public engagement with science.

Whether you're a student, educator, healthcare professional, or simply curious about how medicine is evolving, this lecture offers a fascinating insight into a fast-moving field.

Inaugural lectures
Interested in watching more of our fascinating inaugural lectures? Visit our website: https://www.brighton.ac.uk/inaugurals

We host inaugural lectures throughout the academic year. These events are free, open to staff, students and the public and are the first lecture delivered by a newly-appointed professor at the University of Brighton. We publish each lecture online after the event.