Jessica Sloss, RT(R)(F)(CBDT), is a radiology site supervisor with JMH/UCSF Health-Berkeley Outpatient Center in Berkeley, California. This rising star in the imaging world earned her Associate of Applied Science Degree in radiography from the University of Akron. She holds certification from ARRT.
Her journey from the Buckeye State to the Golden State included a layover in Cincinnati. ICE Magazine recently found out more about Sloss’s imaging career and why she is someone to keep an eye on in coming years.
Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I grew up in Canton, Ohio and slowly crept west from Cincinnati to St. Louis. With my final big jump landing me in San Francisco, California.
Q: Where did you receive your imaging training/education?
A: I received my Associate Degree from the University of Akron. I did my clinicals at Summa Health Systems. After being registered as a radiologic technologist, I got a job at UC Health in Cincinnati, Ohio to further my level one trauma experience. From there, I delved into outpatient orthopedic land at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis and have been in an ambulatory setting ever since.
Q: How did you first decide to start working in imaging?
A: I have always had an artistic background, including photography. When I discovered that I could mesh my career and my passion into one by taking photos of human bones, I knew that this was the path that I wanted to choose. I have always enjoyed caring for other people, so a career in health care made sense for me.
Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
A: The most rewarding part of my job is watching my team work productively and independently, as I have been able to provide them the tools and knowledge to do so. We have an incredible team that works in a physically small outpatient facility. Supporting everyone while they work collaboratively within their different modalities is very rewarding. I also enjoy watching my team grow and learn as they expand their own knowledge and abilities.
Q: What do you like most about your position?
A: I am currently in a unique role at UCSF that oversees many different modalities – XR, DXA, CT, MRI, ultrasound, mammography and PET/CT. It has been immensely educational learning about all of the differences in each modality and caring for the varying populations that frequent our halls. At our facility, we have the opportunity to take care of all of a patient’s imaging needs in a single outpatient center.
Q: What interests you the most about the imaging field?
A: Imaging is forever changing. There is always something new to learn. Imaging professionals are required to be chameleons, altering themselves to blend into any situation. I look forward to continuous learning and growth for the rest of my career.
Q: What has been your greatest accomplishment in your field thus far?
A: My greatest accomplishment has been watching a facility come full circle from construction plans to the day we see our first patient. So much work and preparation go into building a department and you can see how little decisions that you made will affect your staff for the tenure of their career. I have also felt very accomplished when I am able to heal relationships with other health systems and community physicians via positive collaboration and communication.
Q: What goals do you have for yourself in the next 5 years?
A: I want to continue to grow and evolve in my current role at UCSF and within the next 5 years, I hope to have the opportunity to take on even more under my umbrella. I also want to further my education by obtaining my bachelor’s and eventually a master’s degree. •
FUN FACTS
Favorite hobby:
Crafting ceramics by hand building or throwing on a wheelFavorite show:
“Killing Eve”Favorite food:
TacosFavorite vacation spot:
A staycation at home with my family and dogs1 Thing on Your Bucket List:
To visit the Blue Lagoon in IcelandSomething your co-workers don’t know about you:
I am an avid LEGO builder. I love puzzles!
