Heartbeat: The imaging team say a fond farewell to John Courtney

November 19, 2019

John Courtney, Principal Physicist, retired at the end of September after 40 years’ service.

John qualified with a maths and physics degree from the University of Warwick and, a master’s degree in medical physics from the University of Aberdeen. He soon became established as someone valuable to have on the team. As a trainee, he ran the embryonic nuclear medicine service at Sandwell Hospital.

A long, successful career unfolded. John worked in the medical physics department at the neurosciences centre. He was influential with the introduction of the first CT systems and, in diagnostic x-ray equipment quality assurance, dose optimisation and radiation protection. As if that wasn’t enough, John also trained and became a laser safety advisor.

Over the years John took on many extra responsibilities. He gave one-to-one tuition to radiologists. For the past three years, he was a member of the Royal College of Radiology Physics Education Board. Keen to inspire the next generation John visited schools highlighting science careers to pupils.

John is best described as someone that would never say no. He is warmly remembered for his helpful attitude and pleasant, mild manner. He leaves a big gap to fill and the team is grateful for his selfless dedication and commitment.