Medical imaging, radiation oncology & medical electrophysiology technologists week

Thank you Vicky, and all your colleagues, for all the great work you do. Join us in celebrating  the medical imaging, radiation oncology & medical electrophysiology technologists week , which runs from November 5 to 11 !

Q 1. What led you to becoming a medical imaging technologist? 

I chose to become a technologist specializing in angiography, because I like the relationship between the imaging used as a guide and the intervention carried out with the patient. The technologist's role is diverse, and for me, it's exactly what I needed. We're there to take care of the patient, prepare them for their procedure, make sterile tables, assist the radiologist. We have to be familiar with a multitude of different procedures and the equipment required for each one. Our work has a direct impact on the patient's condition. Not only do we image anatomy and pathologies, but we're also part of the solution. When the patient leaves, they’re sometimes completely relieved of a problem, sometimes equipped with a new way to receive their intravenous treatment, and sometimes they’ve recovered a better quality of life. In interventional radiology, I feel I have a concrete impact on a patient's journey. 

Q 2. What is the best advice that someone at the MUHC ever gave you?   

My former department head, Johanne l'Écuyer, said to me, "If you want things to change, get involved!"  Since then, I've found many ways to share my passion. I've taken part in job fairs for secondary 4-5 students to raise awareness of medical imaging and its sectors of activity: radiation oncology, nuclear medicine, ultrasound and radiodiagnostics. I've presented at English-language conferences in Toronto and Quebec City on fluoroscopy and advanced pediatric practice, even though English is a challenge for me. I've taken a training course on PICC line set-up in autonomous practice. Advanced practice, even if unpaid until now, demonstrates the ability of medical imaging technologists to perform medical procedures and proves our great value in the hospital system. And for the past 4 years, I've been working with my union to have this advanced practice recognized, as well as the installation of autonomous PICC lines. We have to get out of our comfort zone, innovate, and distinguish ourselves to be recognized! 

Finally, I was part of a pilot project to implement medical hypnosis in radiology. It's a project that changed my approach to patients, one that I'm now passionate about. My goal is to soon create a medical hypnosis training program that I can teach, so I can share my passion and bring medical hypnosis to patients here at the MUHC. 

Q 3. Tell us about working with your fellow colleagues. 

As far as I'm concerned, the people I work with every day are gems. People with whom I laugh and learn. People who make me want to be at work, and with whom I willingly work overtime to lend a hand. In interventional radiology, teamwork is like a waltz! Your partner has to anticipate your next move and already be there with their hand outstretched, holding exactly the right tool for you; or they simply move in sync with you during the procedure. I'm grateful to have such a wonderful team by my side. I'd like to emphasize that I'm including interventional radiologists in this, as they are invaluable allies in my profession and offer us their consideration as well as their support. And I'd even like to extend this to the NICU transport teams, who bring us little munchkins with a smile, and who trust us. To the PICU and anesthesia teams who sedate patients during procedures on young children. In short, interventional radiology is a multi-sectoral team effort, and that's what I love about it! 

Q 4.  How do you like to relax and unwind after a shift? 

After work, what does me good is to be outside! Walking, moving and breathing in the fresh air... maybe it has something to do with my job, which mostly takes place in a dark, windowless room 😆  Nature refreshes me, it soothes me. Just seeing a tree sway in the wind reconnects me to myself. Let's face it, the pace of life is frantic so I cherish every sweet little moment. I sincerely believe that you have to want to see the beauty around you, otherwise you miss out.  I love to read and escape to another space, another place. Every day, I take advantage of my train commute to give myself a peaceful time to read, or sometimes watch a TV series! Of course, a drink with friends is always welcome 😉