Jaimee Herchler, R.T.(R)(M)(ARRT), holds a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences from The Ohio State University. She currently serves as a Radiology Supervisor-Breast Health, MRI, Nuclear Medicine and Ultrasound at St. John Medical Center.
ICE Magazine recently found out more about this Rising Star with a Q&A.
Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I grew up in LaGrange, Ohio and attended Keystone School District. Currently, I reside in Vermilion, on the Lake that is Erie.
Q: Where did you receive your imaging training/education?
A: I originally started my college education off at Ohio University, with the intentions of going into nursing. After a year of studying, I transferred to The Ohio State University to explore other medical degrees. There, I completed my Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences and Technology as well as my secondary courses in mammography. I am currently licensed by ARRT in Radiography and Mammography.
Q: How did you first decide to start working in imaging?
A: Once I had an inside look at the real world of nursing and not the glorified “Grey’s Anatomy” version, I changed my roadmap and looked into radiology. I thought the idea of being able to look inside the human body was so fascinating and all of the different avenues in the job field itself that I could explore! Radiology struck my interest, but mammography had me convinced that I was in the right field for me.
Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
A: I would have to say the most rewarding aspect is watching the people and teams grow together and form a unity, all while expanding their skill sets. When first starting as supervisor here, I had an entire staff turnover in MRI aside from a few employees. We hired some new staff, cross trained others, and through all of the bumps in the road, everyone kept chugging along. Today, we have a successful, fully staffed, well-oiled engine on our hands. They have all developed and grown into independent employees, but at the same time work cohesively together. People have stepped up into unspoken roles, taken leadership under their belts and they all communicate so well with each other. It is rewarding to be able to take a step back to see where we were, how far we have come, and the goals we have planned for the future that will finally come to fruition.
Q: What do you like most about your position?
A: I love being in the supervisor position because it lets me stay connected to my teams, but also in that middle field in management where my voice is heard and matters. My voice of reason comes from my employees and their input. Everything I do and work towards has one goal in mind: to improve my employees’ work life here and listen to the people with the boots on the ground. They know firsthand how we can improve our department and grow as a whole. When they feel like they are being heard and see the results, it gives me that confirmation that I am right where I need to be.
Q: What interests you the most about the imaging field?
A: I think it is fascinating how diverse the imaging field is and how they continue to keep growing and discovering new imaging techniques. We have grown from X-ray film to cassettes to digital imaging and 3D reconstruction. We are able to actively watch a patient swallow barium and track where it goes in the esophagus. We have 3D technology for breast imaging so we can look throughout the pesky dense breast tissue to see if there are any underlying cancers. We have the ability to inject radiation into the human body and watch is disperse and track the radioactive activity. It is simply, but complexly, very interesting how much the field of radiology has evolved over the years and how fortunate we are to be able to utilize it for our patients to give them the best care and roadmap to diagnosis and treatment.
Q: What has been your greatest accomplishment in your field thus far?
A: In my 7 years of being a registered technologist, I have had the opportunity to grow my career professionally, at an accelerated rate. I quickly went from being a mammography technologist to a clinical coordinator at Summa Health Breast Center within my first 6 months. From there, I opened a brand new breast center in a new facility and coordinated rooms, staffing, equipment, schedules, etc. When I came to UH after starting my family, I took a PT mammography technologist role and knew I wanted to continue to do more. There were rumblings that the supervisor role would be opening up and I thought this was my chance; I knew I had the skills, knowledge and mindset to be the team’s co-leader. I was blessed with this opportunity and have helped to continue the growth and success of our radiology department here at SJMC. •
Favorite hobby:
Hanging out with my family (cliché I know, but my little one is so fun!)
Favorite Show:
“Schitt’s Creek”
Favorite Food:
Salad
Favorite vacation spot:
Holden Beach, North Carolina
1 Thing on Your Bucket List:
Go whale watching in Maine
Something your co-workers don’t know about you:
My dream in life is to open a wedding venue.
