By John Wallace
Oswego Health makes it a priority to recognize staff for their hard work and commitment to the organization and its patients. One key staff member who continues to shine is Stephanie Benavidez, an article on the health system’s website states.
Benavidez was recently promoted to radiology manager at Oswego Health. Benavidez started her career in the imaging department at Oswego Hospital in 2016, before transitioning in 2019 to serve as a radiologic technologist at the Center for Orthopedic Care.
Born and raised in Phoenix, New York, she earned her Certificate of Radiography from St. Mary’s Hospital in West Palm Beach, Florida, in 1993 and has been licensed in New York since 1994. Benavidez graduated with a Master of Science in Health Services Administration in 2007 and a Master of Business Administration from University of St. Francis in 2010.
The Oswego Health medical imaging department features the most advanced technology and provides a range of services, from general X-rays to computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). There are five imaging locations throughout Oswego County, including inpatient services at Oswego Hospital and four outpatient locations. As the radiology manager, Benavidez manages the outpatient centers at Oswego Health Services Center, Pulaski Health Center, Fulton Medical Center, and Central Square Medical Center.
Benavidez shares, “I originally started my career at a large hospital in CNY and it just didn’t feel like a family or team. To have this new leadership opportunity in a place that I call home is just amazing. I’m excited to get more involved within the community to provide the best care possible locally.”
As her career advances, Benavidez wants to make it easy for her coworkers to follow her lead.
“I want to be the kind of leader that is respected and trusted. I have learned to allow my staff to do their jobs and not micromanage while being accessible. I appreciate that everyone has different learning capabilities and may have multiple ways of achieving the same goals,” she says.
Her leadership style was no doubt shaped by her mentors.
“I have had multiple mentors and I still have several that I look to for advice and guidance. One of the most important things I have been taught is to be a better listener and not be too quick to judge. I would love to think I am a mentor for another imaging professional,” Benavidez says.
How did she decide on a career in imaging? It all goes back to being a curious child.
“My stepmother worked in a cardiology office, and I was interested in their ultrasound. I was told that if I wanted to do ultrasound, I would need to go to X-ray school first. I found a wonderful program at St. Mary’s Hospital in West Palm Beach, Florida, with a two-year degree in radiologic technology,” she says.
“Medical imaging has been one of my best life choices. There has never been a worry about needing to find employment and it has been extremely fulfilling with all the different aspects and opportunities available,” she adds.
Another great life choice was saying, “I do.”
“My husband and I are fortunate to have two grown sons, one of which has given us the gift of being grandparents. We have a two-year-old granddaughter and a 6-month-old grandson. Our third child is the furry kind, a 110-pound Siberian Husky named Frankie Blue Eyes,” she says.
Looking ahead, Benavidez predicts big things in imaging.
“I believe AI will become a large part of imaging and, if I had to guess, because of the shortage of radiologists, AI will be a way of getting quicker results,” she says.
1. What book are you reading currently? “Atomic Habits” by James Clear.
2. Favorite movie? “Pitch Perfect”
3. What is something most of your coworkers don’t know about you? I always wanted to be a school teacher.
4. Who is your mentor? Arlene Young and Megan McManus. I crave their knowledge and abilities.
5. What is one thing you do every morning to start your day? Visit with my dog, Frankie.
6. Best advice you ever received? Don’t be so consumed by work that you miss out on family and friend time.
7. Who has had the biggest influence on your life? My children. They have kept me grounded and given me the most happiness.
8. What would your superpower be? A mind reader.
9. What are your hobbies? Decorating cakes, cupcakes, cookies, crocheting and reading.
10. What is your perfect meal? Any meal that is sitting down with the people I love most.
