Blessing Folayan graduated in 2021 with a degree in Radiography from the UCD School of Medicine. Blessing is now a Radiographer and Clinical Content Manager at the European Society of Radiology. After graduating from UCD, she worked clinically before transitioning into digital health consulting. In her current role, she supports the adaptation of imaging referral guidelines for European practice, and collaborates with radiology experts to improve clinical decision-making tools. Alongside her professional work, Blessing informally mentors early career professionals, has supported small healthcare initiatives in West Africa, and is continuing her education in the field. She is passionate about healthcare communication, equity, and user-centred innovation.
What inspired you to pursue a career in Radiography?
I didn’t know much about radiography until a few weeks before the Leaving Cert when I needed a hand X-ray. I met a lovely radiographer who wished me luck with the exams and remarked that radiography wouldn’t be a bad option. The more I learned, the more it felt like the perfect blend of practical science and people-focused work.
What was your favourite part of studying Radiography at UCD, and why?
UCD is a great university for discovering yourself personally and professionally. Not only did I learn alongside different disciplines, but I was able to explore sociology and language through structured electives, and try out different hobbies and interests. It was great for my overall personal development.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in Radiography?
If you can, find a radiographer to talk to. If not, have a look at the modules online and try toget into a hospital environment to see if you might enjoy it. If you work well in teams, enjoy science, and like the environment, you’ll probably really enjoy radiography.
What were some of the highlights of your time at UCD?
The elective modules I took have really stood to me. The structured Spanish language elective offering, for example, kept me afloat on many a Workaway trip, and being part of the first ever “Black Studies and Critical Race Theory” module totally changed the way I think about systems and people. It has really refined my approach to healthcare.
Tell us about your current role at the European Society of Radiology.
As Clinical Content Manager, I work with teams across the ESR, coordinating experts to produce up-to-date radiology guidelines that are used internationally. It’s meaningful work and allows me to use the skills I’ve gained up to this point.
We love what you say on LinkedIn – that you’ve learned that “Technology only matters when people understand and trust it”. Can you expand on that a bit?
When people are expected to take responsibility for the use of new technology but are not given the opportunity to understand it and thus build trust, the solution may never be integrated into the necessary healthcare workflows and make the difference it was intended For me, this is where communication, education, and usability really matter - it shortens the gap between an innovative product and user acceptance.
What’s the proudest moment of your career to date?
It isn’t directly related to radiography, but while working in consulting at Deloitte, we were lucky enough to have allotted social impact hours, and I used mine to volunteer with SOLAS as a business mentor. We helped students from an under-resourced background through a Dragons’ Den exercise. Many of the students were incredibly shy and different from each other, but they were brilliant at identifying their strengths and worked together to win the class final and go to the community final. Two of the young people told me about jobs they researched related to their roles on the team (product designer and sales lead), and how they now believed they could do them. It refined my view on the meaning of a career and success and continues to fuel my interest in volunteering and mentorship.
Who have been the most inspiring mentors or advisors throughout your career, and how have they influenced you?
There are too many to count. It really takes a village to build anything. I've been lucky to stand on the shoulders of university professors, colleagues and clinical tutors during university; as well as excellent managers and directors thereafter. My mom is also a teacher so she’d kill me if I mentioned anyone by name but her. I’m beyond grateful for them all, I hope to pay it forward as the years go on.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge for radiographers in the future?
Technology is advancing faster than ever before, but human connection is an indispensable part of radiology. While I do not see technology replacing radiographers clinically, I think the role itself will change over time. There are more of us than ever leaning into continued education, research, product development, and industry roles - filling the gap, so to speak, between technology and clinical. I think the future is promising for the profession.
What do you do to relax? Tell us a bit about your current life, family and hobbies.
I live in Vienna primarily for work, and feel I have settled in well here. Though I am yet to successfully complete one of their infamously “short” 8-hour, almost-vertical incline hikes! I
have taken up writing, joined a public speaking group, a few book clubs, and travel as often as I can. I also try to make it home to Dublin frequently for a spice bag and Sunday brunch
with my family.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
“Don’t focus on titles, lead with impact and stay curious.”