Following in the footsteps of MRI pioneers inspired medical radiographer Ioannis Plagos to continue his studies at the University of Aberdeen.
Ioannis, also known as John, graduates with a Masters degree in Medical Imaging and is joining a tradition of innovators pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the field.
The 49-year-old decided it was time for a new challenge after 27 years working in radiography. He first undertook a second bachelor's degree in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Greenwich and then, bitten by the study bug, decided he wanted to explore the innovations within his own specialist area.
Ioannis, who is from Greece, found there was only one logical choice upon discovering the University of Aberdeen’s historic innovations in body scanning and hearing about the pioneering work underway today.
He said: “After extensive research on the topic and discussions with my wife, I decided on the University of Aberdeen.
“I was inspired by the work of Professor John Mallard and Professor James Hutchison who developed the first whole-body Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner in 1980 and then went on to help develop Positron Emission Tomography (PET) which can produce detailed three-dimensional images of the inside of the body.
“Working within medical imaging, I can see what an impact these discoveries have had on the work that we do and I wanted to be part of the new era in evolving technology, for which Aberdeen has a leading reputation.
“I have learned so much about new techniques and methods including how AI and Networking features can be introduced into the technology.”
Ioannis says the initial adjustment to life as a student again was tougher than he had imagined but Aberdeen’s access to the great outdoors helped him find his feet.
“The first semester period was quite a challenge,” he adds. “Everything was different from what I knew from the accommodation, to my everyday activities as well as studying and living with other people from diverse backgrounds and culture. Nevertheless, soon I realized that this was a part of my journey.
“I am an outdoorsy person and some of my hobbies are trail running, hiking, nature photography and sailing so life in Scotland has suited me.”
Ioannis now plans to further expand his knowledge of medical Imaging software applications and to learn a second programming language like MATLAB (Python).