MRT week celebrates accomplishments of medical radiation technologists

Posted By JOYCE CASSIN JCASSIN@NORTHUMBERLANDTODAY.COM

Posted 3 months ago

Everyone needs a little recognition for their efforts, and the medical radiation technologists (MRTs) at Northumberland Hills Hospital (NHH) are getting theirs next week.

The week of Nov. 8 to 14 is MRT week and this diverse array of highly trained professionals representing various technology-related disciplines in the health care field will be acknowledged for their work.

"We will recognizing the entire diagnostic imaging team," said Ian Moffat, director of imaging at NHH.

These nationally certified technologists and therapists use specialized clinical skills to provide the vital link between technology and patient care.

"They're key for the operating of the clinic," said Moffat. "Without these highly trained professionals, we would not be able to provide the services we do."

He said the imaging department is like a close-knit family. They're very interactive and one service complements another.

Radiological technologists produce images by performing exams in general x-ray, CT, breast imaging, and operating room procedures. They are highly trained in the use of complex medical equipment that is used to better differentiate between normal and diseased tissue, while at the same time providing quality care to each patient.

"Our patients come first," said Moffat.

Radiation therapists are responsible for accurately planning and administering the radiation treatment for cancer patients using radiation treatment units. Newer techniques, such as Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy alone or in conjunction with Image Guided Radiation Therapy, offer the most advanced forms of treating cancer from outside the body. Therapists offer ongoing care and support to patients and their families during the course of treatment.

"Technology is always changing and we're very fortunate that our hospital has been able to keep up with the new technology," said Moffat. "It's completely digital so there's no more waiting for film."

The fact that technology keeps changing dictates the need for ongoing technologist training," added Dr. Frank Marrocco, chief of radiology. "It's a life-long learning career."

He said they have outstanding techs at NHH and he's very proud of his staff - both their technology skills and their people skills.

"A lot of our patients have cancer therefore are anxious when they arrive, but our staff is very adept at putting people at ease," said Marrocco. "I always thought I was in the very best of hands when I came here (for tests)."

NHH's 28 full-time, part-time and casual technologists see more than 200 patients on a typical day across, says Moffat.

MRT Beth Brown says she loves her job because it combines nursing with technical skills. She finds it rewarding to help people who need help.

"It's putting a science side on things," said Brown. "But you need to have people skills and learn how to treat people when they're sick."

She began her career 28 years ago in general x-ray at the Cobourg hospital and has trained for other diagnostic departments as well.

When Brown took her original training, a three-year college course was all that was required, but now it's a four-year university course, she says.

And that may discourage people from entering a RMT career path, she says.

But the number of people entering the field has not had an impact on the staff at NHH. She says when she started there was a team of three, and now they have a full staff.

"There are so many people here now, and we all work together very well," said Brown.

In order to deal with the number of patients coming through the doors each day is a matter of multi-tasking, she says.

"You do what you have to do, and you can't let the volume freak you out," said Brown.

And the best part of her job is the constant change.

"Every patient I meet is different, so I never know what's coming," said Brown. "And that keeps it fresh."

Jennifer Fudge, a mammography technologist at NHH, says she began her career in Toronto in 1997 because she feels women's health is very important. She moved to Cobourg six years ago.

"It's a lot nicer here and more community-based," said Fudge. "We get to spend more time with the patients."

And dealing with patients is very important to her especially as many of her patients are breast cancer patients.

"I get close to my patients and that's the nice thing about it," Fudge said. "We help women all the way through the process, including the follow-up."

Founded in 1942 by a coalition of provincial associations, the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists is Canada 's national certifying body, representing more than 11,000 members across the country. To find out more about the world of MRTs, visit www.camrt.ca or call 1-800-463-9729 toll-free.

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