By Erin Register
Rachel Thiesse-Yount’s imaging career journey began in 1988 when she was accepted into the nuclear medicine program at Triton Community College in River Grove, Illinois. In May of 1991, she graduated with an associate’s degree of applied science in nuclear medicine technology.
“I had been working as a technologist for five years when an opportunity to become an applications specialist for Siemens Nuclear Medicine division became available,” said Thiesse-Yount. “I supported customers via the call center for applications support and then transitioned to field applications training for new equipment installations.”
In 1999, she left Siemens and moved to Houston, Texas. “I had an opportunity in 2002 to learn PET with a mobile imaging company and began my learning and interest in this field,” she stated. “I transitioned back to a hospital-based position in 2009 at Memorial Hermann Health System as a quality manager for the ambulatory division. For five years, my primary role included Joint Commission preparedness for the system’s outpatient imaging centers, sports medicine and rehabilitation centers and diagnostic lab offices. In 2014, I transitioned to a director of operations position and have been managing multi-modality operations, including breast services, since then.”
Thiesse-Yount is currently working for MD Anderson Cancer Center in its League City facility as the manager of diagnostic imaging. This is a new business expansion into the community surrounding Houston, and she manages a multi-modality department there, as well.
Q: Why did you choose to get into this field?
A: I chose health care, because I really enjoy learning about science and the human body. While in my freshman year high school biology class, my interest in genetics and body systems really accelerated to the point that I was seeking high learning opportunities at local colleges. I chose nuclear medicine, because I had never heard of this modality before and neither did other people I knew! This unknown imaging area intrigued me to learn more. I also had, and still possess, a genuine need to care for other people. Life is augmented by the interactions we have with others, and I wanted to positively impact those who were in need of medical care. A smiling face and warm personality helps to ease anxiety. I had that to give!
Q: What do you like most about your position?
A: My position affords me opportunities to refine my servant leadership skills. I enjoy daily collaborations with my team on operations. I enjoy teaching them about management tasks to build on their professional development; I seek to encourage promotion, as that is, for me, the best compliment! My staff teach me things, as well. I learn how to be a better listener and better understand what their needs are versus what my perception is. My opportunity to work with senior leaders and network is equally beneficial.
Q: What interests you the most about the imaging field?
A: Imaging provides me constant learning, whether I like it or not! For my time thus far with MD Anderson, the technological advancements and treatment options for the cancer population is most interesting. This organization has access to the most advanced imaging equipment being offered, and this translates to better quality of care. The faculty conducting research are implementing new trials for drugs, which translates to better quality of life. Advancing health through imaging is of great importance to me.
Q: What has been your greatest accomplishment in your field thus far?
A: My greatest accomplishment took place four years ago when I had the opportunity to manage operations of a newly acquired breast services facility. The acquisition required integration of the operations, staff and IT to the Memorial Hermann structure. We were successful in our approach and two years later relocated that stand-alone business to a convenient care center in which I operationalized expansion of imaging services to include multi-modality non-breast services as well.
Q: What goals do you have for yourself in the next five years?
A: My personal goals include completion of a Master in Science program through the University of Texas and traveling internationally. Professionally, I look forward to an opportunity of expanding my management scope to director of operations for a regional care center. However, MD Anderson is a fantastic employer that supports professional development so there may be opportunities that I am yet to discover.
