St. Luke’s Health Brazosport Director of Imaging Services Kelsey Mach, R.T. (R), (T), (CT), CRA, MSA, decided to become a nuclear medicine technologist because she wanted to be “cool.”
The way Mach tells the story makes a lot of sense!
“I have always wanted to work in health care, I even knew that I wanted to be a nuclear medicine technologist. I grew up within the rodeo community and one of the top barrel racers at the time was a nuclear medicine technologist. I wanted to be that cool, also,” Mach explains. “I first decided that I was going to become an X-ray technologist so I could work while I chased my other dreams. I quickly decided that I wanted to become a radiation therapist because of the hours and pay. I stayed for 8 years because I really enjoyed my patients and getting to help people in a tangible way and be present when they finally beat their cancer.”
“Becoming the director was a complete surprise to me,” she adds. “I had never considered myself management material, lead yes, director no. I was very suddenly asked to fill in as interim director and I accepted. After I had done the job for a couple months, I decided that I could actually do the job and applied for the position. The hospital saw something in me that I could not, and I thank God every day that they did.”
In fact, when asked about her greatest accomplishment she was quick to reply.
“My greatest accomplishment is taking the director position and not stopping there. Once I became director, my goal was to become CRA certified. I became a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, completed a master’s degree in hospital administration and have completed most of my Ph.D. This job motivated me to expand the person I am professionally and mentally to become a better manager for my employees,” Mach says.
She enjoys every second of it.
“I love my job because of the people I work with. Each director trusts the other and works together to solve problems in the moment. Even though we work for a very large hospital system, it feels like a community hospital. Each director and manager speak to the CEO, CNO and CFO on a daily basis,” she says. “My employees really do feel like family. I make time to speak to each individual often just to keep a clear line of communication open and give the employees a person they can trust and respect.”
Looking into her crystal ball, Mach sees a huge potential for AI to improve patient outcomes.
“I think that AI is going to become bigger and bigger within imaging. Imagine if AI could accurately find a tumor before the human eye can even detect it. It would revolutionize the way we treat cancer,” Mach says.
She explains her leadership goal “is to be the leader that the department needs. I feel as directors and managers you have to become more adaptable to the situation rather than sticking to one style. Clear communication and expectations are paramount to a director. If you establish expectations quickly then you can gain buy in from the employees. You must hold yourself accountable to your job and employees. The leader leads by example. I always take suggestions and feedback. I jump at every opportunity to learn something new. The more educated you are, the better you can see a clear picture of your department and potential problems that could be avoided.”
Machs first mentor left a lasting impression on her.
“Curt Bush was my mentor. He was one of the first people to contact me when I became the director. He emailed me congratulations and asked if we could connect by phone for introductions. He then included me in all of the new CHI radiology group. He then connected me with the AHRA and spoke to me at my first ever conference. He taught me to choose kindness when meeting others. He was always there when I called and was always willing to help me. I truly do miss him every day,” Mach says.
Speaking of kindness, Mach likes to celebrate with her team every year.
“I throw a huge party for my department each year to tell them thank you. This party is interactive and immersive. This year’s theme is Alice in Wonderland,” she says. “ It will take up two hallways and includes actors! It’s just a super fun thing to plan and show my employees how much they truly mean to not only me but the community that they serve.”
1. What book are you reading currently? Currently, I am reading the Disney villains series. I love to see the prospective of the villains and it’s a great childhood escape that doesn’t take a ton of time to read.
2. Favorite movie? All the Harry Potter movies. I love the idea of magic being in the world (even if it’s only for two hours at a time).
3. What is something most of your coworkers don’t know about you? Honestly, I’m an open book. You can ask anyone who has met me for more than 5 minutes and they will agree. I am willing to tell people the truth if they ask, so beware!
4. Who is your mentor? Curt Bush
5. What is one thing you do every morning to start your day? I have several games I play daily on my phone to wake my brain up. One is solitaire and the other is a puzzle. The games are not super hard but take a bit of concentration that wakes me up.
6. Best advice you ever received? Choose to be kind.
7. Who has had the biggest influence on your life? My mother is the strongest person I know. She’s wild, crazy and a mess but she is my best friend. I have watched her face heartache and loneliness but instead of making it about death she found God. God has opened her life up to friends and opportunities that she would not have known hiding in her house. I have watched her become a beautiful person who took a tragedy and made it a gift.
8. What would your superpower be? Teleportation. I just want to be there or home not in-between.
9. What are your hobbies? Horseback riding
10.What is your perfect meal? Steak and lobster
