Research Medical Center

With over 25 years of experience, Joy Sandborn serves as the Administrative Director of Radiology, overseeing operations for a licensed 590-bed Level-One Trauma Center, as well as the School of Radiology and the School of Nuclear Medicine. She is highly skilled in streamlining workflows, aligning business strategies with service delivery and building high-performing cross-functional teams. Joy has proven expertise in managing complex departmental budgets, ensuring regulatory compliance and coordinating resources within collaborative, multidisciplinary environments. She excels in developing comprehensive staff training programs and driving process improvements to enhance organizational efficiency. Dedicated to delivering quality care, Joy is committed to fostering positive patient experiences and improving health outcomes.

Joy’s Professional Journey

I began my radiology career with the goal of becoming an application specialist. After graduating, I moved from Wichita, Kansas, to Kansas City to seek greater opportunities. I took on various roles to gain experience in every modality, including general X-ray, MRI, Special Procedures and Mammography.

While refining my skills, I was offered a leadership position and quickly realized it was my true calling. Over the past 25 years, my leadership experience and training have guided me to my current position at Research Medical Center—a Level-One Trauma Center and the top Comprehensive Stroke Center in Missouri.

Technology Trends and Challenges Impacting the Radiology Industry

Technology Trends

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is currently the most impactful trend in radiology. It accelerates patient diagnosis, improving turnaround times and patient throughput.

Challenges

The greatest challenge is staffing, particularly addressing high turnover rates. Trauma center employees face exposure to tragic outcomes, increasing violence and demanding mental and physical workloads, prompting many to seek less stressful environments with better work-life balance.

At Research Medical Center, my focus is on fostering a supportive culture where technologists feel empowered. For instance, I encourage cross-training in different modalities and facilitate transfers to other HCA locations, provided we retain employees within the health system.

As I near the end of my career, I am dedicated to preparing future leaders by equipping them with a strong foundation of knowledge to ensure the team remains resilient after my departure.

Currently, Research Medical Center uses AI exclusively for stroke diagnosis. HCA selects the vendors we work with and I recommend doing thorough research, including seeking testimonials and feedback from existing customers, when considering new technologies.