My First Week

 I have completed my first week as a clinical photography intern at the University Hospital of Wales. I was given a taste of four different and unique departments within the Media Resources Center. Spending my first day in the opthalmology unit, there was no delay on begining my first clinical experience. I observed our opthalmic photographer utilizing flourescent angiography as a technique to examine circulation of the retina using a dye tracing method. After the nurse injected the patients with sodium fluorescein, issues such as macular degeneration became exceedingly apparent. It was amazing to observe a wide array of retinal diseases, especially prevalent in diabetic patients. On my first day, it was surprising to participate in a great ordeal of clinical departments and set the scene for the days ahead.
Dermatology was one of the most notable departments, each patient photographed had such a varied skin condition, from rosacea to cancerous moles. It was notable that the clients were extremely eager to get their photograph taken, as this documentation will aid their doctor in tracking the progress of their skin condition. When a dermatologist sees hundreds of patients it's difficult to recall, even with detailed notes if one's condition is actually improving--and this is one of the many reasons to why these images prove to be imperative.
The ward and wound clinic were easily the most eye opening experiences of the week. In each fast paced environment, clinical photographers would photograph at least 20 or more patients with the most severe medical issues I have ever seen. Ulcers were very common, however some ulcers were so severe and infected that the patients were bound to a wheelchair. There was a pungent odor in the wound clinic that was oddly easy to become accustomed to.
In dental, I was assigned to take my first images at the hospital of dental molds in the studio. Different angles of a dental mold and stint were captured for a client's request. I enjoyed working and experimenting with the various types of studio flash to achieve the most even lighting that displayed all of the subject's detail. Another hands on experience in this department included assisting in photographing client's standard dental views for reasons such as orthodontics and documenting oral diseases. This opportunity was interesting, as I was given the chance aid in holding dental mirrors to help the photographer capture the bitting surfaces and palate of the mouth.

Graphics was equally a very hands-on experience. This department deals with various types of job tasks, from designing the hospital's annual report to medical illustration of body parts for educational use at Cardiff University. I worked in Photoshop to create a cardiac illustration with painting a heart to display depth and shadow. At first, I was nervous after looking an example of the task, but after I started working in Photoshop I grew more comfortable and created one of my first medical illustrations!
Even though it is only my first week working at the hospital, I already am thoroughly passionate and excited for what is to come ahead during the next two months. I feel already accustomed to the Welsh culture and people, even though my accent sticks out like a sore thumb! While living in a flat five minutes away from the hospital, I am also in close proximity to the center of the city in Cardiff where there is great deal of local attractions. I am eager to start my second week at the hospital and experience that medical field from a behind the scenes perspective.