On a busy day, our technologists in the Radiology Department can take hundreds of x-ray pictures of children. We can think of this as “just part of the job,” or we can choose to see every patient encounter as an amazing opportunity. Here’s what a few of our technologists had to say about their jobs, your children, and the families they meet:
“It only takes a moment to make a lasting impression. From a finger x-ray to a more complicated case, no matter how big or small something may seem, we have the opportunity to make a huge positive impression on these kids. I may not be able to remember the name of every child or the x-ray picture I took, but I will definitely remember how awesome I felt when I got a hug and in that moment I knew I had made a difference.” –Erin Adkins, RT(R)
“I spend lots of time talking with kids and parents, explaining procedures and offering support like games or shows on the iPad or warm blankets. I give them the assurance that we will do everything possible to make their child’s procedure go smoothly. You can just hear the relief in their voices because they feel so much more comfortable and know what to expect.”
–Billie Ronnebaum RT(R)
“It is not just one patient that impacts my job, but instead it is so many patients. I look at some children and wonder how they have the strength to keep going or how they can keep smiling when facing so much pain and sickness. I think about the parents who have been up for days watching their child go through countless tests and procedures. I am often struck by the bravery and courage I witness every day at this hospital.” –Kari Moore, RT(R)
Edited by Catherine Leopard.
Alex is a radiologist and the Neil D. Johnson Chair of Radiology Informatics. In this role, he helps to manage the information systems used by the Radiology department. Clinically, Alex is the Assistant Director of thoracoabdominal imaging. His research interests include liver disease, liver tumors, inflammatory bowel disease, and appendicitis.
