This is Radiologic Technology Week, which is designed to recognize the healthcare workers who capture the images that doctors and specialists use to diagnose and treat patients. At Stormont Vail, Mike Liberato and Hayley McGivern are two of the “rad” technicians who are primarily stationed at Stormont Vail’s Emergency Department. “We see all kinds of patients from newborns, to someone who is around 100,” Hayley said. “Cancer patients, car accident patients.” “I see all types of people, all walks,” Mike added. “A lot of trauma, there’s a lot of strokes, people who just have stomach pains. It’s never boring.” Radiology technologists do X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds to help doctors see what’s going on so they can help you get better. They also work in the catheter lab, interventional radiology and nuclear medicine. Stormont’s nuclear medicine area is where you’ll find Tim Mitchell. “Injecting small amounts of radioisotopes into patients — that’s really cool, in my opinion,” Tim said. “I can really help someone see progress. Almost the whole body I can do – it just depends on which part of the body needs the image.” Everyone agrees, it’s something different every day – just like the paths that brought them here! “I didn’t even know I wanted to do it, but now that I do, I’m like wow this is really cool!” Mike said, he learned he could get x-ray training in the military. “That was about 20 years ago – and things have been different since then.” Hayley knew she wanted to go into radiology since she was in high school and went on to study at Washburn University. “I did some shadowing even before I graduated high school,” she said, adding that she likes the combination of science and patient care. “It just challenges you every day. It’s always changing.” Tim, you might say, was meant for this! “I got into this field because I was the little kid who always ended up in the radiology department for some reason with a broken bone or something,” he said. “I came across nuclear medicine because it was kind of creative and very scientific and I’m kind of a nerd!” All three love having a front row seat to the advancement of technology. They say that every year, the scans get faster, the images clearer. “You’re always learning. It’s fun,” Hayley said. “It’s really, really interesting what you can do with these scans,” Tim said. Knowing that their work is the window to ensure patients receive the best treatment makes it even better. “It’s a mission that makes me feel really good. It gives me purpose,” Mike said. “I like to help people. I come in every day feeling like I made a difference.” Like all areas of healthcare, radiology technologies are in demand. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and outpatient centers. Copyright 2022 WIBW. All rights reserved.
