Imaging Supervisor Tamra Whitaker, RT(R)(M)(CT)(BD)(QM), helps maintain a smooth patient flow at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Premier Imaging. Her imaging career began during a chance encounter while visiting her mom at work. ICE Magazine recently found out more about her start and her goals for the future.
Q: WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?
A: I grew up in a small town in North Carolina called Lewisville. I currently reside about 20 minutes from there in the rural town of Yadkinville.
Q: WHERE DID YOU RECEIVE YOUR IMAGING TRAINING/EDUCATION?
A: I graduated from Forsyth Technical Community College with an AAS in radiography in 1997 and completed my undergraduate in 2023 at Cabarrus College of Health Sciences. I hold a BS degree in medical imaging and am credentialed with ARRT in radiography, mammography, computed tomography, bone densitometry, and quality management.
Q: HOW DID YOU FIRST DECIDE TO START WORKING IN IMAGING?
A: My mother worked as interior design coordinator at one of the larger hospitals in the Winston-Salem area. I was visiting her for lunch one day and we happened to walk through the radiology department “line-up” area which was the hallway between fluoroscopy rooms. I happened to catch a glimpse into one of the rooms where they were performing a modified barium swallow and was immediately captivated. Thus began a lifelong passion and career path!
Q: WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING ASPECT OF YOUR JOB?
A: The most rewarding aspect of being an imaging leader is seeing the difference we make in the lives and care of the patients we serve. Whether it is helping parents of a young child understand what is needed to obtain diagnostic images or holding the hand of an anxious lady who is undergoing a breast biopsy, this is the aspect I find most rewarding.
Q: WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR POSITION?
A: Imaging leaders wear many hats, especially as a working supervisor. I enjoy making connections with people, both patients and teammates, who I am responsible for. Learning people and how to best inspire them through connections is important to me.
Q: WHAT INTERESTS YOU THE MOST ABOUT THE IMAGING FIELD?
A: EVERYTHING! I have transitioned through many technological advances since I entered the field of radiology 28 years ago. It never gets old to see emerging technology and how it will help technologists capture and radiologists interpret images and exams, knowing the advancements will make a difference in the lives of our patients! Artificial Intelligence has exploded onto the scene in the imaging world in recent years and is very exciting to learn about as it develops.
Q: WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN YOUR FIELD THUS FAR?
A: My greatest accomplishment to date was completing my undergraduate degree while working fulltime with a family. I am incredibly blessed to have a great support system and am thankful to have had the opportunity to further my knowledge and earn a bachelor’s degree.
Q: WHAT GOALS DO YOU HAVE FOR YOURSELF IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS?
A: In the next five years, I would like to continue to expand my knowledge in my current position. I have strong mentors in my manager and director who encourage and allow me to grow. Depending on opportunities that may arise, possibly advancing into a manager’s position.
Fun Facts:
Favorite hobby: Hiking
Favorite Show: Who has time to watch TV?
Favorite Food: Tacos
Favorite Vacation Spot:North Carolina mountains
1 Thing on Your Bucket List: Drive a race car
Something Your Co-workers Don’t Know About You:When I was in 7th grade, I won a writing contest in my school district which included a trip to Washington, D.C. and $250.
