Mayo Clinic Operations Manager, Enterprise Radiation Safety Jamie Coder, RT(R), MHA, CRA, recently explained how a high school injury eventually led to a career in imaging.
“I tore my ACL in high school and going through diagnostic testing, surgery and rehab led me to wanting to be in health care. I chose imaging because it was a multifaceted field and there is never a dull moment,” Coder says. “I always say that imaging allows you to be there for patients and families and make a difference in a short amount of time.”
Looking back, she is grateful for the help she has received along the way.
“I want to thank North Kansas Hospital for giving my first leadership job in radiology and all the employees that I have had the pleasure of leading, as well as the other supervisors by my side, that guided me to the leader I am today,” Coder says. “I am not perfect and have made mistakes during my career journey. I sometimes even still get in my own way when it comes to my future goals. People outside of radiology don’t always understand the complexities of all the modalities in radiology. From a young, immature X-ray tech to a career in leadership, I can’t say that I would have changed anything.”
When asked about her greatest accomplishment, she says that she is fortunate to be in a good place.
“I am lucky to have multiple accomplishments in my professional career,” Coder says. “My first was Employee of the Year for a 400-plus bed trauma 2 hospital, but I think the one that felt the most special, was after only 3 months of working with my current staff, I was nominated and awarded the AHRA Award of Excellence in Leadership.”
The work that made the award possible no doubt benefits from the fact that she loves her job.
“I have always loved radiology as it is a close family no matter where you work,” Coder explains. “My first job at Mayo Clinic was operations manager of radiology in La Crosse, Wisconsin. I moved my family seven hours away from our hometown to gain more experience and to reach my ultimate goal to become a radiology director. But Mayo Clinic has shown me that if you can lead in radiology, you can gain skills that can take you anywhere. This is not always the case at other organizations.”
“Almost two years ago, I was given the opportunity to move outside of my comfort zone and try something new but with some familiarity,” she continues. “I was hired as the operations manager of enterprise radiation safety for Mayo Clinic (this includes all sites in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Florida and Arizona). I have found a position that I absolutely love. The intelligence of my staff amazes me everyday. The direct focus on one very important subject has allowed me to focus on supporting my staff. Oftentimes, in other positions, I felt pulled in many directions and felt like I was not giving one my full attention. I love my job as I can now focus to lead my staff and department into the bright future, without feeling overwhelmed. I can focus on each one individually and supporting all aspects of radiation safety throughout Mayo Clinic.”
Listening to her, it is obvious that there is a sense of caring and an urge to develop talent that comes out in her leadership.
“I lead with my heart. But after 20 years in leadership, I have learned to balance the emotional leadership with the business aspect. I challenge status quo and value the intelligence and visions of those around me,” Coder says. “I also value work/life balance without supporting the human side of your employee, you lose their drive and passion for the organization. We have to support our staff, especially in health care, to make sure they are not giving their all without a solid return on their emotional investment.”
Coder says mentors have helped her grow and advance through the imaging realm.
“Many leaders I can credit for their mentorship throughout my 23 years in imaging and now safety career,” she explains.
She said the two that stand out are the following:
• Matt Foresman, vice president of professional services from North Kansas City Hospital. “He taught me the value of being human regardless of title. He taught me to be present. He was a very busy man but always found time to round each of his departments twice a day. After every conversation I felt empowered and had a smile on my face.”
• Jason Newmark with AHRA. “Along with Bill Algee and many others, Jason was among the first group of people I met at my first annual AHRA conference in 2013 that welcomed me and encouraged me to volunteer. After leaving NKCH for my new role in La Crosse, Jason was always just one call away. He has helped me with resume prep, interviews and ultimately navigating through tough career decisions ever since I met him.”
“The lessons I have learned include: be patient, be kind and never give up. Another takeaway is to ‘listen to learn, not to respond,’” she says.
Coder is paying it forward by providing direction to the next generation of imaging stars.
“Mentorship has always been a passion of mine. I have mentored several new imaging leaders throughout my career and the focus of that mentorship was guiding my mentee through their passions, hardships and future goals,” she says. “It is not about showing them the path but it is about helping them unleash their own self drive to go out in this big scary world and fight for what they believe in and never look back. Your past teaches you but does not define your future, only you can do that.”
What is more important than her job and colleagues?
“My family is the most important part of me. I have a husband, Ralph, (my high school sweetheart), a 20-year-old son, Robert, and a 17-year-old daughter, Zoe. My parents, in-laws, and cousins mean the world to me,” Coder says. “Like all families, we have faced many adversities. The one word to describe us is resilant. My son, at a young age, was diagnosed with Autism and my very independent, sassy daughter at 16 was involved in a serious car accident that had her fighting for her life, in a minimally conscious state for more than three months. She is now considered a survivor of a traumatic brain injury and fights everyday to find that independence and sassiness again. My son is thriving with our advocacy and his determination, and it is safe to say that my daughter found her sass and is the strongest person I know. I don’t tell this story to have people feel sorry for us, I share to validate that we are humans and life is messy and I have the best support system in my family, friends and the Mayo Clinic family.”
1. What is the last book you read? The Prey Series (currently on Righteous Prey) by John Sanford
2. Favorite movie? Guardian of the Galaxy movies
3. What is something most of your coworkers don’t know about you? Not much, I am an open book
4. Who is your mentor? Jason Newmark- most recent. As a new leader- Matt Foresman
5. What is one thing you do every morning to start your day? Have a chai tea latte
6. Best advice you ever received? Live for today (You can’t change the past and if you focus too much on the future you will miss out on so much today)
7. Who has had the biggest influence on your life? My Grandpa Bob. He taught me to love unconditionally, always help people in need and resiliency.
8. What would your superpower be? See the future
9. What are your hobbies? Spending time with my family and dog, Callie, shopping, anything in the water, listening to my murder mystery ebooks
10. What is your perfect meal? Surf and Turf
