You were one of Steinberg’s first employees almost 40 years ago. What has kept you there all these years?
I love the Steinberg family and what they stand for. They have made patient care the No. 1 priority. They understand the importance of being available to take care of patients and allow all employees to support patients in any way needed – holding someone’s hand when frightened, hugging them when scared or lending a shoulder to cry on.
What made you apply for that first position as an X-ray technician?
Fate, a concert and two strangers. I was out one night a concert and met two girls. We started chatting about what I was going to do after college. They were both so excited about going to X-ray school and said I should join them. The next day I told my dad and interviewed with the school. Those girls dropped out, but here I am today still working in radiology.
How have the technology and the services offered advanced over the years?
The changes in the technology within the modalities have gone from hand-developing films in a dark room, to using cassettes, to everything being digital. I’ve seen mammography go from analog to 3-D. I’ve had the opportunity to witness the install of one of the very first CTs and MRIs in the country. Today, we still consistently install the newest equipment available. I’ve seen the need for procedures like upper GIs be reduced thanks to the advances of CT. And the reduction in radiation used every year is astounding. We are more radiation conscious now than ever.
Why is it important to you to develop a personal connection with patients?
As a child, I watched how my mother interacted with people. She was always smiling at strangers and saying hello. I saw how people reacted to her kindness and how it made her feel. I wanted to have that same connection to people. Because of that, interpersonal skills are so important to me. I want to look people in the eye, hear their voice, convey a tone that is heartfelt and allows them to know that I care. Digital connections have their place, but nothing beats a personal connection. I believe there is more goodness in the world than anything else and I simply like people.