National Radiologic Technology Week (NRTW) is an honorary week to recognize the essential role that radiologic technologists play in patient care and safety. NRTW is celebrated from November 2nd – 8th each year, marking the anniversary of Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen’s discovery of the X-ray on November 8th in 1895.
At Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW), our radiology team is at the heart of diagnostic excellence. From X-rays and CT scans to ultrasounds and mammograms, our technologists use cutting-edge imaging technology to help providers diagnose and treat patients with precision and compassion.
Why Radiologic Technologists Matter
Radiologic technologists are often behind the scenes, but their work is vital. They ensure imaging procedures are safe, accurate and comfortable for patients. At GHC-SCW, we use cutting-edge technology and are accredited by the American College of Radiology, offering imaging services that are designed for convenience and confidence. From helping a provider detect a fracture or assisting in early cancer diagnosis, our technologists are essential to the patient care journey. Their expertise, empathy and attention to detail make a positive impact on every patient they serve.
Meet a Few of the GHC-SCW Radiologic Technology Staff!
Kyle Booth, GHC-SCW Radiographic Technologist
What inspired you to pursue a career in radiology technology?
I worked as a graphic artist and screen printer for several years before I went to school for radiography, and though I did enjoy that field, it wasn’t giving me the sense of fulfillment that I desired in my life. I decided to go into healthcare because I wanted to be a part of something that truly helped people. I ultimately decided on radiography because the field is patient-facing, and bones are cool!
What does a typical day look like for you at GHC-SCW?
I work at the Madison College Clinic, and while my primary role is doing x-rays, I do so much more than that on a daily basis. I also work the reception desk, do lab draws, review schedules, room patients and I’ve even been known to fix the toilet when it’s acting up! I try to do anything in my power and scope to help the clinic operate as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
What’s your favorite part of working in medical imaging?
I really enjoy my field. I love expanding my knowledge and understanding of the structure of the human body. My absolute favorite thing, however, is the interactions I have with our patients. I strive to provide the best care I can for our patients, while also trying to make it as pleasant an experience as a visit to the doctor’s office can possibly be.
What is something you wish more people knew about Radiologic Technology?
On the electromagnetic spectrum, x-rays are located right next to gamma rays, so when you get an x-ray, you’re *that* close to becoming the Incredible Hulk. Not quite though.
Jana Rodriguez, Mammography Quality Control Technologist
What inspired you to pursue a career in radiology technology?
My love for the anatomy part of my Anatomy and Physiology class in college and my interest in photography at the time. I found a healthcare career that kind of “married” those two concepts together!
What does a typical day look like for you at GHC-SCW?
A typical day is one where I am at the Hatchery Hill clinic in mammography. I am the Mammography QC technologist for GHC’s Radiology department and you can most likely find me in a mammography exam with a patient or pouring over quality control reports and documents. I also perform general X-ray exams and Bone Mineral Density scans, as well as help our preceptor with Madison College’s Radiography program students.
What’s your favorite part of working in medical imaging?
My favorite part is the people. I find that in mammography especially you become close with everyone you interact with: the breast cancer survivor who comes in annually for their screening, the co-workers you become a family with and rely on and the radiologists who are our reservoir of knowledge and provide strength in tense moments. My most favorite and cherished moments are when patients say, “Thank you for everything that you do.”
What is something you wish more people knew about Radiologic Technology?
I wish more people were aware of how broad the Radiologic Technology field is. It includes patient facing specializations (general XR, MG, CT, MRI, NucMed, IR, etc.) as well as more behind the scenes paths, such as radiation safety, educator, medical imaging equipment specialist and many more careers. And that we are technologists, not technicians! The difference is that we have degrees and sit on a national board as technologists, whereas technicians have certifications which can have work limitations in the field, particularly in licensure states like Wisconsin.
Joe Michels, CT Technologist
What inspired you to pursue a career in radiology technology?
I’ve always enjoyed surrounding myself with good people from different walks of life. Healthcare was a great transition for me to come out of the military and also very similar in a lot of ways. Radiology allows me the opportunity to be a part of something much bigger than anything I could accomplish on my own.
What does a typical day look like for you at GHC-SCW?
As a CT Technologist, our schedule typically ranges from simple cases of pneumonia to various stages of cancer. We spend a huge chunk of the day hyper focused on the schedule to ensure patients get the highest quality scan without overlooking some of the finer details. Once I have a thorough understanding of the schedule, I can then focus on building relations with patients and simply enjoying the science of computed tomography.
What’s your favorite part of working in medical imaging?
Once in a great while a patient will say something along the lines of, “You guys found my cancer in time for me to fight it off.” Hearing something like that is a great example of people looking out for each other even if it is just our job.
What is something you wish more people knew about Radiologic Technology?
