The Orthopaedic Institute (TOI) is celebrating National Radiologic Technology Week, November 7 – 13, 2010. Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen discovered radiographs November 8, 1895. Radiographs are produced by the transmission of X-rays through a patient to a capture device then converted into a 2-dimensional image for diagnosis.

The individuals who take X-rays are called Registered Radiologic Technologists. TOI has two types of Radiologic Technologists: X-ray and MRI technicians. Both perform imaging examinations and are responsible for positioning patients to produce a high-quality radiograph for the physicians to use in diagnosing medical problems.

All of TOI’s Radiologic Technologists are registered and have completed at least two years of an accredited program, passing the national certification examination. Also, they continue earning education credits in order to remain registered.

TOI’s Registered Radiologic Technologists are educated in anatomy, patient positioning, examination techniques, equipment protocols, radiation safety, radiation protection and patient care. They may also perform more complicated imaging such as Fluoroscopy and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

“Day-to-day, our X-ray techs work on patient care, aiming to get the best position for the X-ray,” said Tanya Mazyck, ancillary operations manager. “MRI techs are responsible for properly positioning patients with coils and setting the proper protocols.”

TOI’s MRI techs are Radiologic Technologists and either have additional certification in Magnetic Resonance Imaging or are working toward taking the board certification registry. If the opportunity is available, TOI facilitates its employees’ higher education to become certified in Magnetic Resonance Imaging by providing the experience needed to take the registry.

TOI’s X-ray and MRI techs are especially skilled and practiced in Radiologic Technology because taking scans for orthopaedics proves to be one of the more challenging fields in the health care industry.

“X-ray imaging in orthopaedics is frequently used to produce diagnostic images and sometimes you have to be creative with positioning to obtain the best images that assist in identifying and treating fractures,” Mazyck said. “When we take the X-ray image, it shows our physicians how severe a fracture is. Images produced after treatment ensures that a fracture has been properly aligned and stabilized for healing.”

TOI would like to thank its Radiologic Technologists, who play an integral role in TOI’s mission to improve lives.

“They all work extremely hard, are dedicated and go above and beyond to produce high-quality images that play a very important role in helping the physicians make an accurate diagnosis for our patients, while providing the best patient care,” Mazyck said.

Below is a list of TOI’s radiologic technologists:

Radiologic Technologists (X-ray):

Kerry Ochs

Tara Bahrey

Melissa Casto

Christina Huguley

Nichole Morgan

Daisy Robinson

Melissa Irvin

Diana Meszaros

Valerie Myers

Brandy Tucker

Radiologic Technologists (MRI):

Mary Morrison

Renee Stilp

Jessica Troncale

Shane Chatfield

TOI has several other employees who are certified Radiologic Technologists, but who perform duties not directly related to X-ray and MRI.