National Radiologic Technologists Week 2023 was celebrated earlier this month from November 5-11, 2023. Our radiologic technologists are a mainstay of the quality healthcare we provide our patients as they play a vital role in diagnosing, treating, and caring for patients. We express our gratitude to our skilled and competent staff in diagnostic services and thank them for their role in the delivery of quality health care in our region.

YKHC Director of Diagnostic Services Rebecca Sanders shares her story with us.

I moved to Bethel approximately eleven years ago from Oklahoma but previously lived in Southern California and Michigan as well. My husband and I met at work (here in Bethel) and are blessed to be raising our son, Leland, and two fur babies here. I enjoy being outdoors, especially watching the sun rise or set and baking (gluten free, that you do not believe is, being my passion).

In many ways, I feel in my career of medical imaging, sonography (ultrasound) specifically, by chance. In high school, I knew that I wanted to be in the medical field to help care for others but only knew the pathways of nursing or medical school. In the process of applying for schools that had nursing programs, I came across a program for diagnostic medical sonography at the local community college and after research I determined that sonography combined science, math, patient care, and a little bit of creativity or art which intrigued me.

After general education requirements, the program that I attended for sonography took 18 months resulting in an associate’s degree. About half of my training was in collaboration with local hospitals to allow for hands-on skills training, imaging, and patient interaction. Sonography has multiple national certifications through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography based on areas of practice i.e. obstetrics, abdomen, breast, vascular. These registries are required in some states and highly recommended by most organizations (YKHC included). I obtained certification in obstetrics/gynecology and abdomen immediately after school, and later obtained my certification in breast imaging after starting at YKHC.

At YKHC I began as a staff sonographer, became the lead sonographer – helping to train other sonographers and setting standards for the sonography modality within diagnostic imaging before taking on more management positions. I was the manager of diagnostic imaging for a few years before becoming the director of diagnostic services. I believe one of the most rewarding parts of my path here at YKHC has been the ability to continue providing and supporting excellence in patient care even from a management position. YKHC has afforded me the opportunity to remain connected to the patient’s experience as I transitioned into management. For all YKHC employees, regardless of career path, I would encourage you to take any opportunity for learning that you are offered. Being open to new ideas and changes is important in our region.

Sonography, and diagnostic imaging as a whole, helps to provide eyes for YKHC providers and nurses. Performing imaging for the people of the YK Delta is a pleasure as we are able to bring a quality of care closer to the communities here. While in the management role, I was able to witness firsthand the passion which our other radiologic technologists had for passing on knowledge about diagnostic imaging to our health aides. I continue to witness, and be blessed by, the relationships that we are able to build by providing excellence and compassionate care to our patients.

For anyone considering a career in diagnostic imaging, I would encourage you as one never stops learning in this field. The formal education may be tough, but it sets you up for a successful career. Every opportunity for new experiences is important for your growth in the medical imaging field. University of Alaska has courses in both sonography and radiologic technology – so education is within our reach!