By Erin Register
Hilary Russell, radiology team leader at OhioHealth Marion General Hospital (MGH), has spent almost two decades in the imaging field – all at the same hospital. An Upper Sandusky, Ohio-native Russell, 39, began her career at MGH as a transporter while she was in X-ray school.
“My first role at MGH as a radiology technician (RT) was on night shift for 13 years,” said Russell. “I then moved to the diagnostic X-ray team lead position and have been in that role for the last four years. I am registered in CT, and I am currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration.”
Russell, who earned an associate degree in radiologic technology from Marion Technical College in 2003, plans to graduate with a healthcare administration degree in August of this year.
Hilary Russell, center, is seen with colleagues at the MütterMuseum at the College of Physicians of Philedelphia.
Kimlyn Queen-Weis, a director of operations at MGH, nominated Russell, stating, “She is an outstanding leader with the potential to one day become an imaging director.”
ICE learned more about this rising star in a recent interview.
Q: Why did you choose to get into the imaging field?
A: I chose radiology because I love to help people. The satisfaction of making a difference in a patient’s life is what I love most!
Q: What do you like most about your position?
A: I really enjoy leading and mentoring my co-workers in my team lead position. I want to be a good example of a leader to them.
Q: What interests you the most about the imaging field?
A: The advancing technology is amazing. The ability to use a much lower dose of radiation when we made the transition from computed radiography (CR) to digital radiography (DR) is a wonderful thing. I am also very interested in the management side of the imaging field, which is why I chose to pursue my degree in healthcare administration.
Q: What has been your greatest accomplishment thus far?
A: I helped champion the Lean Daily Management (LDM) process at my facility. This has been a great asset to all departments. We use key performance indicators (KPIs) to solve what we call “pebbles in our shoes.” The LDM process has helped improve patient and employee satisfaction.
Q: What goals do you have for yourself in the next five years?
A: My personal and professional goals include obtaining my master’s in healthcare administration, volunteering more in my community, such as running for a spot on the board of education, learning to cross-stitch and traveling to Belize for a paddle boarding trip.
