Globe Reunited: A Radiographer's Journey

Exploring Career Growth Through International Experience

For many Australian healthcare professionals, taking a UK working holiday as a locum is a fantastic way to gain international experience, expand professional skills, and explore Europe. But what happens when you decide to return to Australia? We spoke with David, a former UK locum radiographer, about his experiences working abroad, the impact on his career, and his transition back to Australia.

Why did you decide to come to the UK and work as a Radiographer?

David: "I was born in London and moved to Australia when I was 7, so returning to the UK has always been something I’ve dreamed of—kind of like exploring a parallel universe of what my life could have been. When I was studying at uni, I found out that heading to the UK to work as a Radiographer was almost a rite of passage for Aussies in the field, and I knew I had to take that leap.

The moment I wrapped up my PDY, I was straight onto the paperwork for the UK and Ireland—no turning back! The UK’s close proximity to the rest of Europe was a huge bonus, as I’ve always had a passion for travel. Plus, as a massive fan of the English Premier League, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to catch live matches and experience the full intensity of football culture firsthand."

The Best Locum Contract Locations and Experiences

A major perk of working as a locum in the UK is the ability to gain experience in a variety of clinical settings while exploring new places. David shared some of his most memorable assignments:

David: "Every locum contract had its own memorable moments, and it's hard to pick just a few! My first contract was at St Michael’s Hospital in Dun Laoghaire, just 30 minutes south of Dublin. The experience of immersing myself in Irish culture was incredible. Even though getting registered was a bit trickier than the HPC back then, I’d still recommend a locum in Ireland to anyone. There was nothing quite like finishing up work on a Friday and heading to the local for a pint of Guinness and a sing-along. And let’s be honest, in Ireland, every day feels like a Friday!

Then I worked at The Wellington Hospital in St John’s Wood, just around the corner from Lord’s Cricket Ground and Abbey Road. This private hospital was a haven for the rich and famous—footballers, movie stars, and famous singers were regulars. It turns out the famous get sick too (and sometimes, they do illicit drugs and fall off balconies requiring CT scan and X-rays). Aside from that, lunch breaks spent walking around some of London’s most picturesque spots left me with amazing memories.

Next up was University College Hospital (UCLH) in Euston Square, the busiest hospital I worked at, and definitely the most “homey” for me. I was hired as a CT radiographer, and it pushed me to expand my skillset in ways I hadn’t expected. Looking back, that six months was a pivotal moment in my career—it shaped the radiographer I’d become and was definitely a highlight. Plus, I’ll never forget those lunchtime walks to the British Museum and exploring the local attractions with my fellow locums.

Lastly, I had a contract at The Moorfields Eye Hospital, and let’s be honest, the best part about this one was the pay packet. Not every locum contract is your dream job, but when the money’s good, you can treat yourself to a few nice things!"

Advice for Aussie Healthcare Professionals Considering a UK Working Holiday

Many Australian healthcare workers dream of heading to the UK for locum work, but what should they expect? David offers some key insights:

David: "Just do it! Don’t get caught up in the negatives like the endless paperwork, being far from family and friends, or the never-ending grey skies of the English weather. Honestly, the three years I spent in the UK were some of the best of my life. You’ll experience more in one year—both personally and professionally—than you would working the same old grind back home in Australia.

And don’t worry—Australia will always be there waiting for you. If for some reason you end up hating it (though I highly doubt you will), you can always head back home. But living in the UK, travelling through Europe, and soaking up a culture that’s so much older and richer than ours is an experience that adds a priceless stamp to your life’s passport."

David’s Top Tips for a Successful UK Working Holiday:

• Move over in the warmer months to help you acclimatise better.
• Always have a holiday planned, so you’ve got something exciting to look forward to.
• Don’t just stick to London—there’s so much more to the UK. Use weekends to explore other parts of the country!

Transitioning from Clinical Work into Industry

Returning to Australia doesn’t always mean going back to the same role. Many healthcare professionals use their international experience to pivot into new career paths. David made the shift from clinical radiography into the medical industry:

David: "I made the move from clinical work into industry about 10 years ago, starting in CT applications. The transition was relatively smooth, mainly because I was still in the same industry. Plus, I was able to lean heavily on the skills I picked up from my locum contracts. Those contracts taught me how to walk into a new department, identify key players, understand staff dynamics, and navigate the personalities that can sometimes be challenging for a newcomer or someone in authority.

Recently, I completed my Master of Business Administration (MBA) to get a better grasp of the business side of the industry. That’s been incredibly helpful, especially since my only formal qualification up until that point was my Radiography degree. Obviously the business experience I’ve gained through development programs at my current company over the past 10 years has been invaluable, but it was important for me to have something further to my name for future career development.

But at the core of what I do, I continue to recognise the skills I learned as a young radiographer and in particular the time spent as a locum. In my current role as a sales account manager (selling CTs, X-ray, US, PET-CT and Angio labs), where making honest connections with people is vital, I find myself able to empathise with the challenges departments face with workflow and efficiencies, and I’m able to break the ice by sharing stories from my own experiences as a young radiographer travelling across the UK.

Whenever I hear a junior radiographer talking about the possibility of heading overseas, I always make sure to have a conversation with them. I tell them they're making the right decision—it's an experience they won’t regret."

Final Thoughts: The Value of a UK Locum Experience

David’s journey highlights how a UK working holiday can provide both professional and personal growth, making Australian healthcare professionals more adaptable, skilled, and well-rounded when they return home. Whether you’re looking to boost your clinical skills, gain international experience, or transition into a new career path, working in the UK can open doors you never expected.

If you’re an Australian radiographer or healthcare professional considering a locum role in the UK—or if you’re returning home and looking for new opportunities—Globe Healthcare is here to help. Contact us today to explore roles in Australia and beyond!