Rising Star: Carolyn Miller, CNMT, RT(N)

Carolyn Miller, CNMT, RT(N), is a nuclear medicine team leader at UH Samaritan Medical Center. ICE Magazine recently interviewed her to find out more about her imaging career path and her plans for the future.

A: I grew up in Northeast Ohio (Wickliffe and Willoughby Hills). After college, I moved to Ashland, where I still reside currently.

A: I attended the University of Findlay’s Nuclear Medicine Institute and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science. Currently, I am certified through both the Nuclear Medicine Technologist Certification Board (NMTCB) and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

A: From a very young age I took an interest in imaging. Growing up, I had frequent injuries. With all the injuries and broken bones came multiple X-rays and MRIs. As I grew up, I knew I wanted to get into the field but was unsure about what specific area. My high school guidance counselor first introduced me to nuclear medicine. After doing my own research and job shadowing, I knew this was the career I wanted to pursue.

A: The most rewarding aspect of my job is seeing the impact that I can positively make on my patients. Working at Samaritan for 20 years has allowed me to form relationships with my patients. So many of them come to see me and are facing so many uncertainties about their health. They are scared, worried and fearful of what might be going on. I truly strive to provide the best care and patient experience I can while they are with me. I show them compassion, empathy and understanding. I take time to listen to them and ease their concerns. So many patients have told me through the years that I have made their experience easier and lightened their burden. Their feedback makes this job so rewarding!

A: What I value most about my role as a team lead is being a reliable source of support for my coworkers. I strive to encourage and guide my coworkers so that we can work collaboratively and be successful both as a department and an organization. I also believe strongly in leading by example, demonstrating empathy and compassion – not only towards my team, but also towards the patients that we take care of.

A: What interests me the most about the imaging field is the direct impact it has on patient care, and the continuous advancement there is with technology. Nuclear medicine plays a unique role in both diagnosing and treating diseases at a functional level, which can be critical for early detection and accurate diagnosis. The imaging field is always evolving with new software and techniques. Those advancements keep the work engaging, and encourage ongoing learning, training and professional growth. It is very rewarding to know that the images I take will help guide clinical decisions and can significantly effect patient outcomes.

A: Becoming a team lead has been a great accomplishment. Being able to guide, motivate, support and help coworkers’ problem solve is extremely rewarding. Through the years I have been recognized by senior leadership and won awards for patient experience and a certificate of excellence for clinical support. Knowing that I make a positive impact with patients and staff assures me I am exactly where I should be.

A: My goal over the next 5 years is to continue to grow as a leader in radiology. I would love to strengthen my leadership skills, continue to mentor staff, and help drive improvements directly related to workflow, quality and patient care. Ultimately, I want to be viewed as a trusted leader who helps shape the future of radiology through innovation, accountability and a strong team-focused culture.