By David Moates, Regional Manager
The field of diagnostic imaging requires a variety of disciplines to work together to achieve success for clients, and their patients. The role of the technologist at a company like Numed is particularly crucial because technologists must work seamlessly with the staff of medical facilities - so much so that patients don’t know they aren’t direct employees. When Numed technologists work within a radiology department, they are aware they are representing both the client and Numed.
Although our technologists are Numed employees, their primary responsibility at client facilities is patient care. This is done by explaining the exam to the patients, showing the patient that the hospital appreciates their trust and observing the “Golden Rule” at all times when speaking with patients. In addition to the technical aspects of positioning patients and acquiring diagnostic images a technologist’s other duties include scheduling, ordering pharmaceuticals and, performing imaging equipment quality control. Finally, a technologist must ensure that the diagnostic images are of sufficient quality to be useful to the radiologist or other physician in performing a diagnosis or determining an appropriate treatment.
Technologists are also in charge of making sure the equipment is working properly, producing high-quality images, and keeping the imaging suite and lab area safe, clean, and organized. Numed technologists understand they represent the medical facility to the patient, and so they strive to support the facility’s mission and meet or exceed established standards.
Working in healthcare and specifically in an imaging department can at times be fast paced and stressful. Numed technologists are used to working with other healthcare personnel to develop strong cohesive teams that are mutually dependent on one another and with defined roles. The overall objective is to help their “co-workers” in every way they can in support of taking care of patients and providing positive outcomes.
As technology has changed, so has the job of a technologist. Today, almost all records and imaging products are digital, and transmitted digitally. But customer service, and delivering professional care, is something that will never change.
For aspiring technologists, a piece of advice: welcome the opportunity to learn little things from other professionals. Each person’s knowledge, experiences and perspectives are fascinating. If you value the opportunity to learn from others, your career will continue to grow.
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