Twenty pounds of poly-fil, eight sewing machines, and three experts—that’s all it took to transform a simple conversation during fall leadership rounds into a hands-on learning experience for radiology colleagues in the New Year.
What began as a casual discussion quickly became a fully booked Sewing 101 workshop, led by Dr. Bernadette Koch, whose passion and expertise as a seamstress sparked immediate interest among staff in Nuclear Medicine.
How the Sewing Workshop Came to Life
During her leadership rounds, Dr. Koch mentioned her sewing background, and team members immediately asked if she would be willing to teach a class. She reached out to the Radiology Employee Experience team, who helped coordinate the event. Before long, the session was planned, the sign-up sheet filled, and Dr. Koch prepared to teach, supported by her mother and daughter, making it a true multigenerational effort.
What Participants Learned
Over the course of the 90-minute class, attendees gained hands-on experience with essential sewing skills, including:
Participants shared enthusiastic feedback, celebrating both the new skills they learned and the chance to connect with colleagues in a fun, creative environment.
Dr. Koch expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share her craft and spend meaningful time with learners. Due to the strong interest-and a full waitlist-she is open to hosting another session. Those who were unable to attend will be invited once a new date is scheduled.
Building Community Through Shared Interests
A special thank-you goes to Dr. Koch for her generosity and to the Radiology Employee Experience team for continuing to create opportunities that strengthen connection, collaboration, and well-being across the Radiology Department.
Photos contributed by Dr. Andrew Trout
Anna Lee is the Clinical Director of Anesthesia Imaging. Anna was a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) nurse for almost fifteen years, six of which she was a manager. One of her favorite parts of being a leader in the PICU was watching people find their passion and running with it, making the care we give our patients better and better every day.
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.
Meredith Towbin is a freelance copy editor and writer. She has copyedited the Department of Radiology’s blog since it launched. She also works as a copy editor for the home improvement website BobVila.com. Her writing has been featured on HuffPost as well as other writing sites.
