Cincinnati Children’s Radiology celebrated Patient and Family Experience (PFE) Week July 27 through 31 with the theme Mission Possible, recognizing our team’s achievement of meeting and exceeding FY26 patient experience goals.
Throughout the week, staff celebrated their shared commitment to creating exceptional experiences for patients and families. Patients and families joined the fun through a weeklong iSpy activity in the Burnet waiting room, where children received sunglasses and magnifying glasses while summer volunteers helped keep them engaged through games, activities, and play. These efforts brought extra smiles, connection, and positivity to the Radiology experience.
The week began with Radiology’s participation in the annual “We Love Our Patients” party in partnership with the Center for Patient and Family Experience. Patients explored imaging through hands-on medical play, including the popular “Jr. Radiologist” station led by one of radiology’s certified child life specialists, Haley Luedeke. Radiology’s participation in this event was also supported by Dr. Bernadette Koch; Olivia Catanzaro, RRA supervisor; Justine Jones, PAR III; and Cara Trimble, senior specialist for Patient and Family Engagement. Various activities included “guess the candy x-ray” and learning what an MRI sounds like.
Staff appreciation across radiology continued throughout the week with treats graciously donated from Klosterman’s Bakery, a look back at the history and impact of patient experience work in radiology, and recognition of two outstanding team members. Mariah Spitznagel received the annual Radiology Patient Experience Dianne Hater Award, while Emily Mueller was honored as the inaugural Care Card Coach of the Year for her leadership in patient experience improvement efforts.
Patient and Family Experience Week serves as a reminder that every interaction matters. Through compassion, collaboration, innovation, and connection, the radiology team continues to make a lasting difference for the patients and families we serve. Together, our mission is possible.
Cara Trimble is focused on enhancing the patient and family experience at Cincinnati Children’s. With a passion for health care and a deep commitment to community, she assist families by answering questions, providing hospital policy information, and connecting them with essential resources. Originally from Gallipolis, Ohio, Cara brings small-town warmth and extensive experience to her work. Outside of the hospital, she enjoys family life in Monroe, Ohio, with her husband and two daughters, balancing home projects, photography, and live music with her love for helping others.
Glenn Miñano is a media specialist in the Department of Radiology, providing graphic design, photography, printing, video services, and administration of the department’s online properties. His works have been published in several medical articles, such as the American Journal of Radiology and the American Institute of Ultrasound. He has been providing these services to the Radiology Department since 1996.
Editor: Meredith Towbin
