As a self-proclaimed “geek,” Karen Mihalic, RT (R), (M), ARRT, serves as the director of imaging/admin team member for WVU Medicine Barnesville Hospital and WVU Medicine Harrison Community Hospital. However, the word “geek” can have negative connotations. She is more of a cool intellectual with a knack for critical thinking that empowers her to bring top-tier diagnostic imaging to the rural community the WVU Health System serves.
Karen’s love of technology and a desire to provide quality patient care started her on a radiology path.
“I found science/anatomy field very interesting, and wanted to find a profession that allowed me to be in the front line of patient care while being challenged with new technologies,” she shares. “I shadowed a radiology technologist and I was hooked from there on.”
Hooked but not stuck, Karen continued to grow as an imaging professional and care provider.
“I have a passion for critical thinking, and the imaging field offers a broad scope of opportunities across various modalities as technology continues to advance. For me, it is incredibly rewarding to see capital projects come to fruition – bringing industry-standard care to our small, rural facilities and allowing patients to receive high-quality services close to home,” Karen says. “I am grateful to be part of leadership teams at both sites that work collaboratively to ensure we consistently deliver the highest standard of care.”
“Building a successful team with technologists who are committed to providing the highest quality imaging to our patients. I truly enjoy seeing staff who thrive as patient advocates,” Karen says when asked about her greatest accomplishment.
As an imaging leader, Karen is thankful for the lessons shared along her career journey. She also passes along her knowledge to the talented individuals she works with in West Virginia.
“I have truly valued the opportunity to grow in my roles at both facilities. Mentoring others and helping prepare them for future growth and opportunities has added a new dimension of pride in the accomplishments of my coworkers across the organization,” Karen says. “Over time, I have been challenged to adapt my leadership style – shifting toward a more flexible, supportive mentoring approach rather than serving solely as the primary problem solver – while fostering a culture of accountability and open communication. Navigating through some of the most difficult times, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the most significant staffing challenges we have ever faced, has strengthened my resilience and deepened my commitment to my team’s success.”
“I hold myself to a high standard, always mindful that I should never ask my staff to do anything I would not be willing to do myself,” she adds.
She is quick to add that several mentors empower her growth.
“I have been fortunate to be guided by exceptional mentors throughout my career,” Karen says. “Some of the greatest pieces of advice and mentorship came from several of my former CEOs:
Richard Doan — “Any decision you make, you can learn from. At a critical time, make the best informed decision you can with the knowledge you have. If it turns into a learning experience, be sure to store the lesson learned.”
David Phillips — “Be accountable and always be willing to do more.”
Stacey Armstrong — “Strive to approach situations with fair, level-headed guidance and support. Ensure those around you are strong, capable leaders in their own right.”
I now have the privilege of mentoring new leadership team members and providing guidance to my leads at both sites – encouraging them to grow in their roles and continue developing as leaders.”
Looking ahead, Karen’s love of tech keeps her informed and she sees AI as a tool that will impact diagnostic imaging as well as the entire healthcare delivery process.
“Artificial intelligence (AI) has become an increasingly significant component of medical imaging, growing at an exponential rate. The ability to transfer large volumes of data instantly, enhanced quality measures supported by advanced software, new screening tools designed for improved abnormality detection, and patient-centered workflows are all innovations rapidly transforming our field,” she explains. “The fact that patients can now access their results almost immediately through platforms like MyChart – something unimaginable just 20 years ago – reflects how dramatically both patient access and staff workflows have evolved, even within the past five years. The pace of change in our profession is truly remarkable.”
1. What is something most of your coworkers don’t know about you? I do have a small amount of “geek squad” mentality; being how deeply embedded our modalities are in advanced technology, I enjoy learning new software and become fluent enough to train others.
2. What is one thing you do every morning to start your day? Be grateful for the opportunity that is before me for that given day.
3. Best advice you ever received? “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” – Wayne Dyer
4. Who has had the biggest influence on your life? My aunt passed away from breast cancer just as I was beginning my career in imaging. This personal experience deepened my empathy and compassion in delivering patient care. In response, I established the Barnesville Hospital Breast Health Foundation to support underinsured and uninsured patients diagnosed with breast cancer. I initiated fundraising efforts within our communities to sustain this mission. Now, 24 years later, we continue to provide vital assistance to those in need during challenging times.
5. What would your superpower be? Planning and executing; seeing plans come to fruition.
6. What are your hobbies? Family, travel, reading, locking into a good series on TV/Netflix, etc., new experiences
7. What is your perfect meal? Something Hungarian that I would have learned the recipe from my grandmother. Making those dishes reminds me of Sunday dinners at my grandparents house when I was younger, and a way to honor them.
