Sep. 21, 2017
Pursuing a career in education is not an easy journey — and not everyone who becomes an educator follows the same path to success. But the common threads among those who dedicate their professional lives to teaching the next generation of radiologic technologists are a passion for the profession, the fulfillment of sharing their knowledge and experiences, and the satisfaction of making a positive impact in the lives of students.
The ASRT Foundation’s mission to support and empower medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals and students falls squarely in line with the values of dedicated educators in the medical imaging community.
It should be no surprise, then, that so many of the Foundation’s programs have supported the passions and dreams of educators to fulfill their own educational goals, broaden the scope of their professional experiences, improve their curricula and enrich the student experience in their classrooms.
Research Grants Enhance the Classroom
The Foundation’s research grant program has enabled educators to pursue their enthusiasm for research while exposing their students to the experience of working on high-level research projects designed to improve the radiologic science profession and community. The diversity of the research projects funded by grants over the years demonstrates the Foundation’s commitment to empowering educators to explore questions and problems that directly affect their classrooms, their practices and their professional challenges.
Recently funded research topics initiated by educators include:
- “The Success of African-American Students in Medical Imaging: A Transformative Mixed Methods Study,” by Tracy Herrmann, M.Ed., R.T.(R), of the University of Cincinnati, Blue Ash College.
- “Compression Device for Medical Imaging,” by James N. Johnston, Ph.D., R.T.(R)(CV), and his cross-disciplinary team of professionals and students at Midwestern State University.
- “Reducing Occupational Stress in the Radiology Department,” by Lynn R. Reingold, B.S., R.T. (R)(CT), and her team at Weber State University.
Educators interested in pursuing funding for their research are encouraged to submit a letter of intent by Jan. 25, 2018, for consideration for the spring funding round.
Scholarships Open Doors to a Brighter Career in Education
The financial commitment of earning an advanced degree often makes the dream prohibitive. The stories from past educator scholarship recipients are testaments to the merits of hard work and the power of generosity in helping others gain valuable experiences that would otherwise be unattainable.
Scholarship recipient Kori Stewart, M.H.S., R.T.(R)(CT), CIIP, is an educator in the radiologic sciences who is pursuing a Ph.D. in Biomedical Informatics. Like many educators, Kori is focused on advancing the profession and empowering the R.T. community at large. “My research and study over the next several years will allow me to build my knowledge as a student, aid in my instruction as a professor and continue to grow my passion for teaching patient-centered care to future technologists.”
The ASRT Foundation is offering nine scholarship opportunities in 2018 to help educators expand their careers in education and radiological sciences. Applications will be accepted from Nov. 1, 2017, through Jan. 31, 2018.
International Networking Brings New Perspectives
Even for the most seasoned medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals, the chance to travel abroad and exchange knowledge with a global community of colleagues is a unique opportunity. The Foundation’s International Speakers Exchange Award provides two members an invitation to speak at one of two international conferences each year. In 2018, award recipients will attend either the UK Radiological Congress in Liverpool, England, or the CARO-COMP-CAMRT Joint Scientific Meeting in Montreal.
One of the recipients of the 2017 ISEA was Carole South-Winter, Ed.D., R.T.(R)(N), CNMT, assistant professor for the University of South Dakota Beacom School of Business. Carole presented her paper, “Opinion Leadership in Health Care: A Study of Ghana,” at the 2017 UK Radiological Conference in Manchester, England, and described the experience as “priceless.” “The rewards for ISEA recipients multiply tenfold, not only because of the professional relationships that are cultivated while speaking at conferences, but also because of the valuable feedback received during the event.”
Apply for the 2018 award through Oct. 31, 2017.
Additional Support for Educators
The Foundation sponsors several programs throughout the year that help R.T.s pursue their passions and goals, including professional development grants, international outreach opportunities and travel sponsorships to conferences. Learn more at foundation.asrt.org. Follow the Foundation on Facebook for inspiring stories about the many individuals who have benefitted from the generosity of our donors and sponsors.