Corewell Health Director of Imaging Services Kim Pratt, MHL, RT(R)(M)(CIIP), enjoys providing thoughtful and empathic healthcare to patients. It is a reason she entered the healthcare field after seeing first-hand how a caregiver can have a positive impact.
“My mother worked in the medical field before she retired. She loved her job and caring for patients, and I wanted that for myself as well,” Pratt explains.
She adds that there is another reason she decided specifically to embark on an imaging career.
“X-ray is really cool!” she exclaims.
“There are a lot of aspects that I love about my job. I love the people I work with and that I get to serve others,” Pratt adds. “I truly enjoy collaborating, supporting teams, and solving challenges together. I also like the projects we work on and tackle together.”
Pratt’s use of the word “we” is intentional. She sees herself as part of the team and that sense of “shared” responsibilities is a pillar of her approach to leadership.
“I believe leadership is dynamic, shaped by self-awareness, built on trust and driven by shared purpose. My approach is grounded in my values of collaboration, integrity, loyalty, respect and personal development which guide my decisions and shape how I show up for my team,” she says. “I lead with understanding and strive to create an environment where people feel seen, heard, and empowered to contribute their best. Leadership is not a title, but rather a responsibility to serve, support and inspire.”
Pratt attributes her growth as a leader partly to the guidance of a mentor who nudged her into learning situations.
“One example is when I expressed a desire to build confidence in my role. My mentor encouraged me to participate in a meeting that involved facilitating discussions with a diverse group of professionals. It was a challenging experience, but it pushed me out of my comfort zone and significantly boosted my confidence,” Pratt says.
“I remain eager to grow and strive to be the best version of myself. Mentors have not only shaped my perspective but also opened doors to opportunities I might not have encountered on my own,” she adds. “I’ve had the privilege of serving as a mentor in my organization’s WISH Mentorship Program, and I’ve come to appreciate that mentorship is a mutually rewarding experience. This year, I’ve also partnered with my leader to support and participate in our Imaging Mentorship Program – a group mentorship designed for leaders on our team to learn about new topics related to their development, learn from each other, and discuss relevant issues that they face as leaders in imaging.”
Pratt values mentorships and the impact they have had on her life and career.
“I have several mentors that help me grow professionally and personally. While I have participated in official mentorships, many of the mentorships I have had over the years have been unofficial and built off of relationships I have developed,” she explains. “I have worked for and with so many great people, all with various qualities I admire. I love to learn and grow and so many leaders and team members at all levels have added tremendous value to my life.”
Corewell Health Imaging Director David Buczkowski, MSA, RT (R/CT), says Pratt is a talented leader.
“Kim has been an exceptional colleague to work with. What stands out is her collaborative spirit. Corewell Health East is 2-plus hours away from Corewell Heath West and Corewell Health South, but working with Kim seems like she is right down the hall every day,” Buczkowski says. “Using MS Teams features daily for video meetings and chatting, you would never expect we are geographically separated. We strategize, collaborate, and run projects seamlessly as a fully integrated imaging service.”
He adds that her impact on women’s imaging continues to improve Corewell Health and patient care.
“Kim’s passion for women’s health has been a great example for me to witness. She collaborates at a very high level across the state of Michigan while partnering with many contributors in the woman’s health space,” he says. “Kim, as many directors do, has a balancing act of working off priorities and figuring out time management daily. Kim has done a great job owning large projects, working with informatics, and peers across Corewell Health while always putting the patient first. Kim is also a solid staff advicare and advocate for the imaging profession. Kim continues to lead by example by bringing innovative ideas to the table during any brainstorm session. She also has a very fun approach and keeps the team in good spirits.”
“I sincerely appreciate Kim as a peer and friend,” Buczkowski says.
Her leadership style works well for Corewell Health. It also works well away from work where she and her husband, Rich, works as a team to parent “two boys that have grown into respectful and caring young men. My husband and I are very proud of the men they are.”
“I’m lucky to share my home with a wonderful family. My husband, Rich (27 years), and I are blessed to have my mom and dad living with us too – it’s a full and loving house. We have two amazing sons: Alex and Andrew. Andrew is married to Lexi, and they recently welcomed our sweet grandson, Aiden, who’s just 6 months old and already the center of attention. Alex’s girlfriend, Katlynn, is also a special part of our lives.”
The Pratt family’s future appears bright.
Pratt says she expects diagnostic imaging’s future to continue to shift and adapt to new technologies.
“Imaging, like healthcare, is ever-changing, but with the digital world expanding and improving, the digital patient experience is making healthcare more accessible. Artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly, reshaping the way we detect, diagnose and deliver care,” Pratt says.
In closing, Pratt shares the mission statement she created for herself. It is a statement that she often revisits and “to this day it still holds true.”
“Honor God in everything while growing spiritually, professionally, and personally. Impact others through service and education,” Pratt’s mission statement reads. “Honor. Grow. Impact.”
1. What is the last book you read? “Ask for Andrea” by Noelle Ihli
2. Favorite movie? “Man on Fire” with Denzel Washington
3. What is something most of your coworkers don’t know about you? I played softball for a community college for one semester before going to X-ray school.
4. What is one thing you do every morning to start your day? Thank God for another day! And I love to have a morning cup of coffee.
5. Best advice you ever received? Let your values be your guiding compass. This holds true to personal, professional and organizational values.
6. Who has had the biggest influence on your life? My parents. They have raised me to honor God in all I do, respect others, work hard, and be on time! My dad would always say if you are on time, you are late!
7. What would your superpower be? Teleporting! I have given this a lot of thought throughout my travels. I do not love traffic, and the ability to teleport would open all new possibilities.
8. What are your hobbies? Listening to audio books, puzzles, bowling. I love movies and crime shows. Hanging out by the water while my husband fishes. I also plan to make playing with my grandson a hobby.
9. What is your perfect meal? I love a good steak! Mostly I love my husband’s cooking, so restaurants have their work cut out for them to impress me.
