Christina is theme lead at the Royal Marsden Hospital/ICR Biomedical Research Centre and co-director of the imaging AI hub at the Royal Marsden. She has been co-organiser of the BIR’s Whole Body MR events, spoken at our AI events and organised the Oncology Stream at our 2020 Annual Congress.
1. In your opinion, what are the key issues and challenges for the radiology and radiation oncology workforce?
AI and informatics offer so much promise towards increasing efficiencies, generating new knowledge and delivering state of the art diagnostics and therapeutics for the benefit of patients. However, we know that change may require an initial period of increased demands so our challenge is creating the capacity for change in a severely overstretched workforce.
2. Which three scientists (past or present) would you like to spend an evening with and why?
You’re probably expecting me to list Nobel prize winning scientists but I would most like to spend time with David Collins, a clinical MRI genius who I was lucky enough to be supervised by in my early days, Jessica Winfield a brilliant MRI physicist who always makes me feel like everything is going to be ok and Matthew Blackledge, a talented up and coming computational scientist. Working with them is a joy and they understand how to develop innovations in challenging clinical settings for patient benefit. Their academic brilliance, dedication, kindness and real commitment to team science is humbling.
3. How would you describe the BIR – in one sentence?
Innovative, fun and inclusive.
4. Why did you originally become a radiologist?
I always wanted to be a doctor and the convergence of biomedical sciences and technology was an ideal combination for me.
5. If you could go back in time, what advice would you give the younger Christina?
Don’t worry so much; things have a way of working out.
6. What is your proudest achievement (in work or out)?
My family. Raising my two boys Henry and Tom with my husband Philip is a huge privilege.
7. Who has been the biggest influence in your life?
My family.
8. When you are not working, how do you like to spend your time?
I like a simple life: time with my family and friends, walking my beloved Labrador Monty, good books and yoga.
9. What might we be surprised to know about you?
I am terrified of heights but I love wing walking.
10. Who would you like to play you in a film about your life?
Helena Bonham Carter. Many, many years ago my husband asked her out to dinner. She declined so it would amuse me if she were to play me.
