A 15-Year Journey in Medical Imaging and Healthcare Leadership

My career in medical imaging began with a leap of faith 15 years ago when I joined the United States Air Force. Opting for the "open general" route during basic training, I found myself without a guaranteed career path. During this uncertain period, I discovered the field of diagnostic imaging—a choice made not out of knowledge but out of curiosity. Little did I know that this decision would set the stage for a fulfilling and impactful journey.

After graduating from basic training, I embarked on technical training, and my fascination with medical imaging grew exponentially. The passion ignited a thirst for knowledge, prompting continuous learning and development, from mastering radiography to delving into CT and MRI. It was in the realm of MRI that my interest piqued, eventually leading me to the role of Clinical Education Manager for GE Healthcare, overseeing the MRI Applications team for the US and Canada.

Transitioning to Stanford Children's marked a new chapter, where I navigated various technical and leadership roles before assuming the Director of Radiology Operations, Information Systems, and Strategy position. Being part of Stanford Children's is exhilarating as it stands at the forefront of medical imaging innovation and development, consistently pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the field. Contributing to one of the world leaders in medical imaging is not just a career; it's a thrilling journey in shaping the future of healthcare.

Insights and Lessons Learned

Passion as the Driving Force: The pivotal lesson learned is the significance of aligning one's career with personal passion. The commitment to medical imaging became a catalyst for continuous growth, both in the military and civilian sectors.

Relationships Matter: Never burning bridges and cherishing professional relationships emerged as a valuable lesson. The network cultivated throughout the years has facilitated career advancements and enriched the journey with shared experiences.

Embracing Change and Innovation: Over the span of 15-years, medical imaging witnessed transformative technological advancements. The commitment to embracing change and innovation emerged as a key factor in improving patient care—be it through reduced radiation doses, enhanced image quality, improved safety measures, or increased efficiency.

Integrity in Action: The mantra of doing what is right, not what is easy, became a cornerstone of decision-making. Upholding integrity in every professional endeavor, even in challenging situations, proved to be a guiding principle.

Purpose in Perspective: On challenging days, a reflection on the purpose of the work—making a difference in patients' lives—proved to be a powerful motivator. The ability to smile amid adversity and acknowledge the impact on patients reinforced the profound significance of the role in healthcare.

The Importance of Mentors: Finding mentors who offer diverse perspectives, hold you accountable, and serve as sources of inspiration emerged as a crucial insight. The guidance and wisdom gained from mentors played a pivotal role in shaping both professional and personal growth.

Change vs. Status Quo: Acknowledging the difficulty of change while recognizing the greater challenge of resisting it became evident. The field's evolution underscored that, indeed, change is hard, but stagnation is an even tougher path to navigate.

Personal Story

One vivid memory from my early days in Afghanistan stands out—the moment I found myself in a warm trauma bay, awaiting the arrival of mass casualties. As I sat there, my heart raced, not just from the anticipation but also from the heat enveloping the bay. Alongside me stood a team of diverse professionals, each prepared to go to any lengths to save lives.

Then, it happened—boom! In a matter of seconds, an incredible orchestration unfolded. The team assessed patients, administered medications, performed CPR, and seamlessly transitioned from X-rays to CT scans and surgery. The intensity of these moments was tangible, each member playing a crucial role in this intricate dance of life-saving efforts.

Following each trauma response, a profound atmosphere settled in—the heaviness of sadness, a moment for introspection, and an overwhelming appreciation for everyone involved. It was in the aftermath of my first trauma response that I felt a deep sense of purpose and the realization that I was truly making a difference.

The trauma bay became a crucible where the relentless heat mirrored the intensity of our efforts. In those moments, uncertainty transformed into purpose, and the team's collaboration spoke volumes about our shared commitment to saving lives. Each trauma response was a poignant reminder of the fragility of life, prompting a reflective pause and gratitude for the collective dedication that made a difference amid chaos. Further underscoring the profound impact of my journey in medical imaging—each image captured is a testament to the vital role this career plays in the intricate tapestry of providing care and sometimes even saving lives.