Maria Nunez, RT (R) (M), ARRT Breast Sonographer, holds an Associate In Applied Science and serves as a Multimodality Breast Imaging Specialist-Lead Technologist and QC Specialist at Jackson Memorial Hospital, Taylor/Chaplin Breast Center, in Miami, Florida.
ICE Magazine recently found out more about this Rising Star after she was nominated by Associate Director Kathryn Fields.
Q: Where did you grow up? Or, where are you from?
A: Asuncion – the capital of Paraguay. Moved to the USA 23 years ago.
Q: Where did you receive your imaging training/education? What degrees/certifications do you have?
A: Miami Dade College in Miami. I started in radiology and transitioned into mammography right after graduation. I was offered a full-time mammography position at an outpatient imaging facility at Miami Lakes Radiology.
Q: How did you first decide to start working in imaging?
A: Originally started off as a journalist in Paraguay. I was attending seminars for work in Miami. During my work trips I met my husband. For a while I was going back and forth from my home county to the U.S. and finally, I decided to stay in the Miami and change my career path. While searching for jobs, I discovered that healthcare had a lot of growth and opportunities especially in radiology. It was a stable and reliable field that was in high demand. It was challenging and I started out from zero. I took English classes since my primary language was Spanish and I remember I got permission to take my two-year-old daughter with me to the English classes so I could finish.
Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
A: Breast imaging plays an important part in saving lives when it comes to breast cancer. The care depends on mammography and what is seen.
Q: What do you like most about your position?
A: The interaction with the patients. I have an opportunity to add positive things to the care that is offered to patients, the center, and my colleagues. I enjoy sharing my expertise with the team to improve patient experience, workflows, and produce better outcomes. I think it’s really important to work as a team.
Q: What interests you the most about the imaging field?
A: Breast sonography
Q: What has been your greatest accomplishment in your field thus far?
A: Working at Jackson. I still remember my first day of clinicals in X-ray school, I was at a local community hospital and the first exam I shadowed was a barium enema. I was like, “What did I get myself into?” I went home and cried. I felt like I had made a huge mistake. Now, I can look back and laugh. I’ve come such a long way in my career. I feel like if you’re going to do something in life you should really enjoy it. I’m at that place in my life now. When you see patients so grateful for the care you just provided, its reassurance that you achieved your goals in life.
Q: What goals do you have for yourself in the next 5 years?
A: I want to be in a position where I know my work is valuable, and value, whether that’s a direct progression of this role or something I don’t even know about yet.
Fun Facts
Favorite Hobby: Reading – Fiction/Romance Novels
Favorite Show: “Friends”
Favorite Vacation Spot: Italy
1 Thing on Your Bucket List: Travel to London
Something Your Co-workers Don’t Know About You: I’m very shy
