Interviw with Mike Kirby
Mike’s work in Radiotherapy Physics started in 1988, working through posts at the Christie Hospital, Manchester and Rosemere Cancer Centre, Preston; culminating as a Consultant Physicist at both and Head of Radiotherapy Physics (Satellite Centres) in Manchester. Following training for the church at Westcott House/Cambridge University, he began work at Liverpool University teaching UG and PG Therapeutic Radiographers; and later as a doctoral supervisor (Manchester University) for the national HSST programme. A member of IPEM, AAPM, ASTRO, ESTRO, ARR and BIR for many years, he is now President of the BIR. Mike is also a priest in the Church of England; in Blackburn Diocese and Canon Scientist at Liverpool Cathedral.
1. In your opinion, what are the key issues and challenges for the radiology and radiation oncology workforce?
Key issues continue to be workforce ones, across all disciplines involved in Radiology and Radiotherapy. Although technical, scientific and medical developments continue in making our diagnosis and treatment more effective, having an appropriately resourced and trained workforce to deliver them to our patients, will remain the main challenge for our clinical services.
2. Which three doctors or scientists (past or present) would you like to spend an evening with and why?
A difficult one, considering there are so many! Three could be (i) Dr Frank Ellis. One of our past presidents and a pioneer in Radiotherapy, I had the honour of being awarded the Frank Ellis medal from the RCR in 1995. I’d like to learn more from him. (ii) Prof David Jaffray. A terrific physicist and innovator in Radiotherapy, especially in IGRT. I shared a teaching lecture with him once for one of our early portal imaging conferences – but never got chance to learn more from him; would love to do so. (iii) Prof Sylvanus P Thompson – our first BIR President. As a fellow person of science and faith, it would make for an interesting evening!
3. How would you describe the BIR – in one sentence?
A welcoming professional institute for all involved in Radiology and Radiotherapy – all disciplines are needed for successful diagnosis and treatment; so all are welcome.
4. Why did you originally become a Physicist?
I seemed to be good at this wonderful subject! But I also had a hankering for medicine too, because of life-long health issues my mum experienced; and so it seemed natural to apply the Physics to healthcare, through Medical Physics.
5. 25 years from now, what do you think we will say is the best innovation of the 21st century in healthcare?
As imaging in Radiotherapy is my special area of interest, I would like to say new and better imaging techniques – both for diagnosis and therapy. IGRT has transformed the accuracy and precision of radiotherapy, and continues to do so through many different modalities, often now in combination. Naturally, AI will have a major influence in how we use that imaging in the healthcare setting.
6. What is your proudest achievement (in work or out)?
I have been involved in some devices and procedures which have had my name associated with them. But the biggest achievements must be how over the decades, we work together as a team of clinicians, physicists, radiographers, engineers, nurses and many more, to make things better for our patients. From the smallest of changes to the largest of infrastructure developments – none have been possible without us all working together as a team.
7. Who has been the biggest influence in your life?
My parents, may they rest in peace. They came to the UK in the late 50’s with very little. From very little they always gave whatever they could for my brother and myself, encouraging us always to do the very best we could; all from a strong work ethic and Christian faith.
8. When you are not working, how do you like to spend your time?
I love reading novels, watching films, sitting in coffee shops watching the world around me, walking in the lovely countryside where I live, singing (and directing) choral music, being with people….and also not, at times!
9. What might we be surprised to know about you?
The usual example I use is that I once sang for Queen Elizabeth II! Admittedly, it was alongside about 200 other singers in the Halle Choir, for the newly opened Bridgewater Hall in Manchester in 1996!
10. Who would you like to play you in a film about your life?
When asked about favourite actors, I often say Tom Hanks; since he stars in one of my favourite films, Apollo 13. So maybe he might be a good choice. But since films always carry some amount of artistic license, I’d perhaps like to play myself – and then perhaps be able to get more things right in my life!
