Radiologic Technologist Interview

Elena DiPardo
Radiologic Technologist
Harborview Hospital

"I've been doing this for 27 years, and I wouldn't change it for the world." Radiologic technologist Elena DiPardo's enthusiasm for her work shines through her words. Now a Quality Assurance and Quality Control Coordinator for Harborview Hospital, DiPardo's radiologic technologist career has allowed her to work in diagnostic radiology, trauma radiology, mammography, ultrasound, CT scanning, and as an educator.

The medical imaging school DiPardo has taught in, like the one she attended for her own radiologic technology training, offers a highly structured 2-year Associates in Applied Science degree. "These programs are selective; they regulate how many people get in. The schools don't take more students than the job market can bear. When there are lots of openings, the schools take more students."

"What's kept my interest has been being able to diversify. I came in as a diagnostic technologist, then was trained almost immediately as an ultrasound tech. You don't get bored!"

DiPardo's interest in a radiologic technologist career began in her teens, after an accident landed her in the hospital and she had a chance to observe the X-ray technicians, or radiologic technologists, at work. "I was fascinated by what the they were doing, using technology and ionizing radiation to make a picture."

DiPardo has worked in clinics and hospitals, as an employee and as a contractor. She also loves working with patients. "You have to be a caregiver—you have to be able to see people who are injured and sick, and want to take care of them, to help them get better. It's very rewarding to see someone get better."

Another benefit of a career in medical imaging is the independence it affords. "This profession has allowed me to do what I've wanted to do in life. I've been able to buy my home, travel around the world, and not be in debt."

DiPardo mentions some challenges that come along with the rewards of her work. "It takes both physical strength and compassion. The trauma technologists do portable X-rays here at Harborview, and they have to get the cassettes under the patients. The equipment is heavy. In a hospital setting, with trauma victims and inpatients, often we have to move the patient when they can't move themselves.

"You're trying to please the doctors by getting perfect positioning on the image, yet this might be painful to the patient. You need to please the doctor and take care of the patient without hurting them."

The technology used in radiology careers continues to change rapidly. At large hospitals, the images are computer-based. The Internet allows caregivers to easily access images, without film or even a disc to be passed around. DiPardo is comfortable with the pace of change. "Over the years there have been so many changes that I just accept it. I deal with transition easily—not everyone does—but it's a big part of this field."

Diagnostic imaging offers the personal rewards of working with colleagues and helping patients every day. "I've had patients in mammography come back and say, 'You saved my life.' As a technologist when you're handling a woman, sometimes you can feel things that don't show up on the film, and you can talk to the doctor and say, 'Hey, you need to pursue this further.'

There's a strong sense of teamwork among everyone—you're part of a team with the nurses and the doctors and the management. We really feel that everyone deserves good health care, and we provide it. I love coming to work every day."