E223: Michelle Rahman - Tackling Health Inequalities

Trigger Warning: this episode discusses this episode discusses cancer, cancer treatment, health inequalities and discrimination. Episode 223: Part of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Series (Part 21) Description: In this powerful episode, Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara sit down with Michelle Rahman. Michelle is a therapeutic radiographer turned transformation and patient involvement professional, her passions are about making healthcare work better for the people who actually uses it – ESPECIALLY those whose voices aren’t always heard. Her career has taken me from the radiotherapy department into the world of health inequalities, transformation, research and patient and public involvement. She now work across healthcare transformation, bringing communities, patients and professionals together to challenge the “we’ve always done it this way” mindset and find better ways of doing things. She is also involved in cancer awareness, community engagement and global research looking at how we can improve outcomes from cervical cancer, because she TRULY believes good healthcare shouldn’t depend on your postcode, background or ability to navigate the system. Outside of work, she is a mum, a daughter, a serial over-thinker and someone who has discovered that apparently you can’t solve every problem with a spreadsheet or a 3D plan… although she is still testing that theory! Michelle is passionate about people, equality, resilience, faith, family and having the sometimes difficult conversations that can lead to meaningful change. And if there’s one thing she has learned along the way, it’s that you don’t have to have all the answers to make a difference. It is scary to step into spaces you have not gone before and she is definitely still learning but sometimes you just need to be brave enough to ask the right questions. This episode is a deep dive into Michelle’s career, health inequalities and what you can do to tackle these issues. CPD Reflection Points: Amplifying patient voices: How can I ensure that the voices of patients and communities, particularly those who are underrepresented or seldom heard, genuinely influence the way I deliver and improve radiotherapy services? Challenging the status quo: Reflecting on Michelle’s journey into healthcare transformation, what aspects of my own practice do I accept as “the way we’ve always done it”? How could I challenge these approaches to improve patient experience, equity and outcomes? Addressing health inequalities: How might a patient’s background, postcode or ability to navigate the healthcare system influence their access to radiotherapy and cancer care? What practical steps could I take within my role to reduce these inequalities and advocate for more equitable care? Complete this form for your accredited digital badge: Digital Badge Form . Rad Chat Links: Rad Chat Website Link Tree Facebook Instagram LinkedIn TikTok BlueSky YouTube Credits: Music and jingle credits: Dr. Ben Potts and Adam Cooke . © Rad Chat 2025.