Student Profile - Victoria Wourms

Victoria Wourms 

MRS Class of 2022 (Radiation Therapy)

Clinical Site: Saint John Regional Hospital New Brunswick 

Hometown: Moose Jaw, SK

What and where did you study before joining MRS

I studied health science at the University of New Brunswick. 

How has MRS been different than your previous program of study?  

The MRS program with Michener and UofT had provided a much more hands-on experience. Michener's realistic lab component offers insight into what you can expect in a clinical environment, helping you build a valuable skill before adding on the pressure of actual patients. 

What has been the most unexpected/rewarding component of the program so far?

The most unexpected and rewarding component of the program so far has been my clinical experience. Throughout my time learning at Michener, I became very comfortable with the equipment, the personalities, and the plastic patients. Switching to a clinical environment is much different from the one at Michener.  The best part of clinical is getting to follow patients through their simulation, treatment planning, and treatment delivery. You get to put perspective and make key connections to your theoretical learning. Finally, having the opportunity to see that patient on their last day of treatment and the joy in their eyes as they ring the bell is the most rewarding feeling of all. 

What is your average day like during your clinical placement?

My average day at the Saint John radiation therapy clinic starts around 8:00 am or 6:30 if I am helping with the daily quality assurance program. I am at the clinic for 8 hours a day. Every day is different for me. Being at a small center, we get to see a lot. Most days, I bring in the majority of the patients, set them up for treatment, and help deliver the radiation treatment. 

Does your clinical site offer any unique experiences or opportunities that are specific interest to you? 

My clinical site provides multiple unique and exciting opportunities. The Saint John cancer center is the first in Atlantic Canada to offer SBRT prostate treatments. They are currently working on starting up SBRT spine treatments. This type of treatment reduces the total amount of overall treatments patients receive. The prostate patients typically come for 30 treatments over 6 weeks. With SBRT, they come in for 5 treatments over 2 weeks.  

Another unique aspect of my clinic is that external beam radiation therapists can also work in brachytherapy. This really interests me because I love external beam radiation, but I also love the surgical aspect of brachytherapy. 

Have you had a meaningful/ memorable interaction with a patient? 

Cancer affects all walks of life, and you never know which patient will touch your heart. In my 3rd week into my first clinical, I met a head and neck patient who was the first to touch my heart. This patient could not speak because they had a tracheostomy and had not had the opportunity to learn how to talk with one yet. This patient was very ill but very kind, always mouthing thank you to us after each treatment. On one treatment, this patient experienced a medical emergency and did not receive treatment that day. Seeing how this affected the patient broke my heart as I grew a soft spot for him. The following day while we were waiting for the doctor to arrive to be present for the patient's treatment, I talked with him using a pad of paper and a pen. As we spoke, I could see the joy in his eyes. After this encounter, I realized that something as simple as taking an extra 5 minutes with someone can really change their experience and make their time with us more comfortable. 

What do you think will be the most rewarding part of being an MRT? 

I think the most rewarding part of being an MRT will be the patients. Having the privilege to not only deliver a patient's cancer treatment but to be a support system for them during a life-changing chapter of their lives. 

What are your plans for the future?

My plan for the future is to hopefully get hired at the Saint John cancer center to continue learning and building experience with the fantastic team of therapists there. If this does not happen, I plan to go work in Europe and work on contract.   

What advice would you like to share with prospective MRS students? 

The most significant piece of advice I would give to prospective students is to do your research on the program and which stream would suit your interests the most. Radiation therapy, specifically, is physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting. The program is challenging and requires a lot of time and dedication to learn all the material and really understand it to be a competent and safe health care provider.