Medical Imaging Technologies honor local professionals

  

Mercy College student Devin Graves reports on what his table agreed would be most joyful about their future careers.   Photo by Sean Ferry

      The Medical Imaging Technologies program kicked off National Radiologic Technologist week Monday with the fourth annual Imaging and Therapy Professionals Recognition event.

      According to department chair Catherine Ford, “This event is devoted to honoring outstanding individuals who work in medical imaging. Nominations are sought from those currently working in the field. A committee of peers reviews all of the submissions and selects the recipients based on appropriate criteria.”

      The event was organized in a way that allows students time to network with their future peers. Students, teachers and staff mingled with area professionals while enjoying the music of radiologist Dr. Deb Achinger and her band Bullfrog Underground. Guests enjoyed beverages and a buffet of appetizers prepared by AVI Foodsytems.

Dawn Merryman accepts her award for clinical excellence.

      Once everyone had their fill of food, drink and conversation, the night’s keynote speaker was introduced. Denise Moore obtained her bachelor's degree and master's of science from the University of Dayton. She's worked at Sinclair Community College since 1973.

      Moore’s passion for teaching became evident when all guests were asked to group together by table and discuss what they found most joyful about their jobs. After a short musical intermission, Moore proceeded to call on each table to report their findings.

      Mercy College student Devin Graves spoke for his table. “The best thing about being in the hospital is walking into a room where the patient's not feeling well, doing your job right and making their day a little better. And that helps you get through your day.”

      Moore continued her speech, explaining that National Radiologic Technologist week started in 1979. The purpose is to promote the work of medical imaging professionals to the public and to the healthcare industry as a whole.

      The night concluded with award presentations and a few speeches from recipients. Seven different award categories were recognized:

• Imaging and Therapy Clinical Excellence Award (Dawn Merryman)
• Educator Award (Inez Gorsuch)
• Leadership Award (Debra Sepanski)
• Rising Star Award (Melissa Trombly)
• Lifetime Achievement (Carol Ghareeb)
• Physician in Medical Imaging and Therapy Award (Dr. Robin Shermis)
• Imaging and Therapy Sales/Applications Specialist Award (Christopher Fry)

      After receiving his award, Dr. Shermis shared some advice for students. “Just know that it’s worth the effort, the time, the struggle. Maybe one day you will be up here and be as proud as I am,” Dr. Shermis said.

Deb Brady (left) leads the buffet line as the event begins. Food was prepared by AVI Foodsystem and included items such as quesadillas, egg rolls, and cheese-stuffed mushrooms. Photo by Sean Ferry