Lexington Medical Center Clinical Operations Supervisor in Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT Abbigail Dodson holds multiple degrees and certifications. She is also well thought of by her supervisors and peers. She was nominated as a Rising Star by Lexington Medical Center Director of Imaging Services and AHRA President Wesley Harden, CRA, FAHRA.
ICE Magazine Editor John Wallace recently found out more about Abbigail, her decision to work in imaging and what we can expect in the future.
Q: Where did you grow up?
A: Culpeper, Virginia
Q: Where did you receive your imaging training/education? What degrees/certifications do you have?
A: I started my medical journey at ECPI University for Medical Assisting. I am a Certified Medical Assistant, Certified ECG Technician and Certified Phlebotomy Technician. I went to Midlands Technical College for nuclear medicine and became a Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist.
Q: How did you first decide to start working in imaging?
A: I worked as a medical assistant at a cardiology office when I first moved to South Carolina and they performed in-house nuclear stress testing. The images they printed for the office visit were amazing and I wanted to learn more. Midlands Tech has the program in the state for nuclear medicine.
Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
A: Being a part of the patients’ journey, whether that be to diagnose, continue monitoring or finding solutions to their medical issues is extremely rewarding. I love every minute of it.
Q: What do you like most about your position?
A: Knowing that I am making a difference. I am helping my staff thrive, therefore helping Lexington Medical Center succeed.
Q: What interests you the most about the imaging field?
A: In nuclear medicine specifically, we can test the function of organs, not just look at the anatomy. We are the only modality that does that, and it is very special.
Q: What has been your greatest accomplishment in your field thus far?
A: My greatest accomplishment thus far has been becoming supervisor. I have worked very hard to be able to put myself in a position that I can make a difference and grow not only myself, but Lexington Medical Center as well.
Q: What goals do you have for yourself in the next 5 years?
A: In the next 5 years, I hope that my departments of nuclear medicine and PET/CT will continue to thrive and be successful for the hospital. I would love for the chance to become a manager and be able to make even more of impact in the field of nuclear medicine. I love my job and want to be able to go as far as it will let me.
Fun Facts
Favorite hobby: Deer hunting with my husband and my boys. I also love reading.
Favorite show: “The Ranch” and “Big Bang Theory”
Favorite food: Steak Dianne, my husband makes the best
Favorite vacation spot: Beaufort, South Carolina
1 Thing on Your Bucket List: A chance to go to Ireland
Something your co-workers don’t know about you: That I’ve been to 33 of the 50 states.
