Rising Star: Suzie Dodson, BA, RT (R)(CT)

University Hospital’s Cleveland Medical Center CT Scan Supervisor Suzie Dodson, BA, RT (R)(CT), says her rise in the imaging field starts with a funny story. Dodson’s journey began when she was an imaging patient as a child.

“It’s actually a funny story,” she says. “I’ve always been interested in the medical field, after having multiple radiology exams as a child, I always had an interest in imaging and how the human body works. When I was 13, I remember having an UGI exam and vomiting all over the table and the technologist. She was the sweetest woman ever, and I admired how she handled the whole situation.

While applying to radiography school, I got a job as a radiology tech aid in a community hospital. After learning the ins and outs of a radiology department, I knew becoming a technologist was what I wanted to do as a career.” 

Dodson was born and raised in the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio, where she still lives with her husband and their two boys, ages 1 and 3.

“I went to the University of Akron’s School of Radiography and earned my associate degree in applied science of radiology. After getting registered in radiography, I attended the Cleveland Clinic’s School of Diagnostic Imaging’s CT program and achieved certification in CT. After being promoted to supervisor, I enrolled at New Hampshire University earning my Bachelor of Arts in Healthcare Management with a concentration in communications.

Dodson enjoys her work.

“I love being able to help people. Whether that be a patient, a coworker, a provider or a complete stranger. People don’t typically enjoy coming to a hospital, so anything I can do to make their experience a positive one,” she says. “I like that every day is different. I may be going to the same place but there is never monotony. I like to solve problems and I feel like that’s a key component of being a supervisor.”

She is also excited about the future.

“The technology in our field is always growing. There is new research and technology being developed every day and I want to be the first to see it, learn about it and implement it,” Dodson says.

“Always continue to grow as a leader, technologist, coworker and human,” Dodson replies when asked about her goals for the next five years. “I am open to whatever opportunities come knocking.” 

Fun Facts

Favorite hobby:
Crafting and spending time with friends and family.

Favorite show:
“Grey’s Anatomy,” I’ve followed it since Episode 1!

Favorite food:
It depends on my mood. It could range from a simple piece of pizza to crab legs!

Favorite vacation spot:
Aruba, I went on my honeymoon there and cannot wait to go back.

1 thing on your bucket list:
To be on a TV game show like “The Price is Right,” “Wheel of Fortune” or “Let’s Make a Deal!”

Something your coworkers don’t know about you:
After high school, I took the Emergency Medical Technician Basic test and became an EMT-B. I never worked in that profession, but I learned a lot about emergency medicine that helps me still to this day.