With more than 140 years of experience, RiverView’s radiologic technologists are critical members of the medical imaging team. They work alongside doctors and nurses to perform X-ray exams and other diagnostic imaging procedures, which can be vital in diagnosing certain medical conditions as well as preventing future illnesses.
November 5 through 11 is National Radiologic Technology Week. The celebration takes place each year during the week that commemorates the discovery of the x-ray by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen on Nov. 8, 1895.
“Patients are Our Passion’’ is the theme of this year’s recognition, which is fitting for RiverView’s dedicated team (with years of service at RiverView): Becky Peterson, 28 years; Kaylee Bergquist, one year; Janeen Brule, 22 years, Kelly Halvorson, two years, Jessica Bak, 11 years, Amy Broden, 15 years, Tanya Kildal, 21 years, Logan Klipping, five months, Maggi Lund, 19 years Haley Massmann, three years Kevin Waldhausen, seven years, Alisa Leas, 11 years, and Dru Olivier, four years.
Typical daily work for these individuals includes Greeting patients and preparing them for procedures, Positioning patients and instructing them during imaging, Producing quality images and securely saving them, Working alongside physicians to interpret pictures, Educating patients about procedures, Scheduling patient appointments, and Cleaning exams rooms and caring for imaging equipment.
“Despite the difficulties of the job—intellectual, emotional, physical—radiologic technologists love their work,’’ shared Brianna Iverson, RiverView’s Diagnostic Imaging director and radiologic technologist. “They know that it is critical, that they are essential, that patient care practically hinges on their ability to coax patients into position and manipulate machinery to get that perfectly exposed image. And they don’t ask for a lighter load or a stronger back to manage that load. What they ask for is simple: to be seen and to have their work acknowledged for the skill it requires and the importance that it holds for patient care. And that seems to us a rather fair request. They are, after all, the eyes of medicine, and without them, we would be blind.’’
Iverson also includes Leann Kawlewski, Diagnostic Imaging Patient Access representative, in the team’s celebration. “Leann has been with RiverView and Diagnostic Imaging Patient Access for years, and without her, we would be lost!’’
Thank you to our radiologic technologists for making RiverView an exceptional place to receive care.
