By John Wallace
Beth Allen’s health care career took a turn before it even started. It appears she made the correct choice advancing to her current role as the director of clinical operations at Banner Imaging in Arizona.
Allen explained in a recent interview.
“I had intended to be a nurse but changed my mind my senior year in high school. My guidance counselor suggested that I look into the program offered at one of our local hospitals. I didn’t know much about being an X-ray tech, but I applied and was accepted,” Allen said. “Lucky for me, it all worked out!”
“I didn’t really know what I was getting into when I began in radiology, but it is proof to me that things happen for a reason. We need to listen to our gut. I loved doing CT and I love what I do now,” she added.
It is a decision that continues to pay dividends with a rewarding career.
“I love the creativity that goes into problem solving every day,” Allen said when asked why she loves her job. “I appreciate that I have some influence on how patients receive care.”
It is also a career where she gets to impact the next generation of imaging professionals. She takes the responsibility seriously and strives to help others achieve excellence.
“I am a servant leader. I am looking for ways to make our teams’ jobs easier and be available to help solve issues by trying to think about the big picture,” she said.
She learned this approach from her mentors.
“I have been incredibly lucky to have the mentors that I have had. I have been challenged and encouraged to be brave. I have confidence to trust myself in my decisions, but not afraid to ask for help,” Allen explained.
Looking into the future, Allen expects some turbulence for the medical imaging profession.
“We will face many challenges regarding staffing and will have to do things differently than we have ever done. We better put our thinking caps on,” Allen said.
Away from work, Allen recently celebrated her 23rd wedding anniversary. She and her husband have two adult sons in their early twenties.
“I am so proud of my family. I love that our two boys have turned out to be people who we admire and enjoy being with,” Allen said.
